The Art They Called Vulgar | Prof. Shailaja Paik on Dalit Women and the History of Dance in India

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Professor Shailaja Paik, renowned scholar, MacArthur Genius Grant winner, and author of acclaimed books such as Dalit Women’s Education in Modern India and The Vulgarity of Caste. We explore the untold stories of Dalit women artists whose contributions to Indian culture were marginalized and labeled “vulgar,” particularly in the world of Tamasha Theater. Through her extensive research, Professor Paik reveals how these women, despite facing caste and gender discrimination, used dance and theater not only as a means of survival but as acts of defiance and creativity. We dive deep into how art, caste, and gender intersect in India, and why the voices of Dalit women have often been ignored or misunderstood. If you like our work then consider supporting: 1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma 2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus 3.UPI: Minusverma@upi 4.RazorPay: ⁠⁠⁠https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view⁠⁠⁠ My website: ⁠⁠⁠www.anuragminusverma.com⁠⁠⁠  Watch the video on YouTube:  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheCultureCafebyAMV-re8hs⁠⁠⁠