What is it about?
This chapter seeks to explore the Naths (also known as Yogi) of Bengal and their marginalisation that occurred in different phases. Today the householder Naths, who maintain a caste framework, are quite distinct from that of the ascetic branch of the Nath Sampradaya (community). The Naths have undergone great hardships for centuries in Bengal after being left out of the mainstream society. The householder Naths were degraded by the smarta-ruled Brahmanical society in Bengal during the 12th century. The Naths of Bengal have been asserting their identity and showing resistance against the Brahmanical caste order since the late 19th century. They put efforts to bargain with the British colonial government through placing their demands before various census enumerations. On the other hand, they laid emphasis on internal reformations, such as wearing sacred thread, maintaining Brahman samaskara (rituals), making priests from their own community, etc., for escalating their social status and earning social esteems. Despite their social resistance against their ascribed low-caste status through negotiations with colonial census enumerations, the struggle for recognition of the Naths did not get wide popularity as they still remain unenthusiastic to participate in the mainstream political arena.
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Why is it important?
The Naths of Bengal have been asserting their identity and showing resistance against the Brahmanical caste order since the late 19th century. They put efforts to bargain with the British colonial government through placing their demands before various census enumerations. On the other hand, they laid emphasis on internal reformations, such as wearing sacred thread, maintaining Brahman samaskara (rituals), making priests from their own community, etc., for escalating their social status and earning social esteems.
Perspectives
The Naths of Bengal have been asserting their identity and showing resistance against the Brahmanical caste order since the late 19th century. They put efforts to bargain with the British colonial government through placing their demands before various census enumerations. On the other hand, they laid emphasis on internal reformations, such as wearing sacred thread, maintaining Brahman samaskara (rituals), making priests from their own community, etc., for escalating their social status and earning social esteems. Despite their social resistance against their ascribed low-caste status through negotiations with colonial census enumerations, the struggle for recognition of the Naths did not get wide popularity as they still remain unenthusiastic to participate in the mainstream political arena.
Kunal Debnath
Rabindra Bharati University
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This page is a summary of: Sunk in Oblivion, October 2024, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.4324/9781003536611-3.
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