Crisis and Rescue Mechanism of Hegemonic Masculinity in Northern India: Caste, Horses and Kings

Historically, the caste segregated society in India prohibits Dalit men from owning or riding horses. As a result, recent times have seen an increase in attacks and violence against Dalit men or grooms, riding a horse on their wedding day. This article shows how the violence on Dalit men is a manifestation of such myths and legends of masculinity in modern India. Although such incidents are motivated by caste, symbols like horses revolve around themes like masculinity. This paper explores the intersection of caste and masculinity through a historical examination of the process of decline of the Rajput dynasty and production of hegemonic masculine idols such as Maharana Pratap. Such forms of masculinities became hegemonised through reproduction and popularisation of certain symbols and ideals constructed through production and reproduction of literary traditions and bardic tales. A careful observation and review of the literature of the construction of hegemonic masculinity in India reveals a strategic sequence of its reproduction during times of political crisis.