Performing Resistance: Tracing modern Maharashtra caste history through music

14 July 2017 5PM

The Godrej India Culture Lab presented a world where performance leaves the realm of entertainment and enters the world of social mobilization and identity politics. We were proud to present Performing Resistance: Tracing modern Maharashtra caste history through music - an evening of discussion and performance that explored the intersection between caste, history and musical traditions.

On July 14, the evening began with a discussion featuring Ganesh Chandanshive, Tamasha scholar and shahir, Avatthi RamaiahProfessor at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and Shilpa Kamble, activist and author of Nilya Dolyanchi Mulagi. This discussion was moderated by Sunil Shanbag, theatre director and filmmaker. We also screened a preview of a powerful documentary Shahiri by Aashit Sable

We then witnessed a series of powerful musical performances by shahirs in the city, who navigate the evolution of Dalit resistance in many styles such as powada, qawwali and even rock! The line-up for the evening included Kabeer Shakya of Dhamma Wings, India's first rock band addressing caste issues, mother-son duo Nishant Shaikh and Keshar Jainoo Shaikh, and Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch.