Emergence of Dalit Art entrepreneurs: Exploring anti-caste songs as the new-creative industry in North India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Music is the significant factor in the rise of anticaste consciousness and creating a narrative of resistance among Dalit communities. The practice of musical genres like Bhimgeet has witnessed a rise in recent times, claiming dignity and social justice for historically oppressed Dalit communities. The production of anticaste songs has also created a new class of Dalit-Art entrepreneurs who are engaged in the new-creative industry of producing anticaste songs. Through the multiple entrepreneurial examples and in-depth interviews, the paper has discussed what are the different kinds of production houses, music industry that has emerged around anti-caste consciousness in regions of North India. Furthermore, the paper has explored the culture-economy of anticaste songs and how they are gaining popularity in the public memory. The paper conceptualizes Dalit-Art entrepreneurs as part of the new Dalit Middle class and how they are negotiating with caste identities by maintaining solidarity with community members.