Shailaja Paik: Indian-American Professor Awarded $800,000 “Genius” Grant for Research on Dalit Women
Shailaja Paik, a distinguished Indian-American professor, has been awarded an $800,000 (approximately Rs 6.7 crore) “genius” grant by the MacArthur Foundation for her groundbreaking research on Dalit women. These prestigious grants are given annually to individuals demonstrating significant achievements or potential in their respective fields.
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Paik serves as a research professor of history at the University of Cincinnati and is an affiliate faculty member in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, as well as Asian Studies. Her work focuses on the experiences of Dalit women and the pervasive issue of caste discrimination in India.
The MacArthur Foundation highlighted Paik’s efforts, stating, “Through her focus on the multifaceted experiences of Dalit women, Paik elucidates the enduring nature of caste discrimination and the forces that perpetuate untouchability.” Her research provides valuable insights into the historical dynamics of caste domination, particularly examining how gender and sexuality intersect to affect the dignity and personhood of Dalit women.
Background of Shailaja Paik
In a recent interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Paik shared her personal journey as a member of the Dalit community. Growing up in a slum area of Pune, Maharashtra, she was inspired by her father’s commitment to education. She earned her master’s degree from Savitribai Phule University and later completed her PhD at the University of Warwick in the UK. Paik has also served as a visiting assistant professor of South Asian history at Yale University.
Focus on Tamasha
Her latest research project centers on the lives of women performers in Tamasha, a popular form of bawdy folk theatre traditionally practiced by Dalits in Maharashtra. Paik’s findings are encapsulated in her book, “The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India.” The MacArthur Foundation notes that despite state efforts to reframe Tamasha as an honorable cultural practice, the stigma of ashlil (the mark of vulgarity) continues to affect Dalit women performers.
Critique of Caste Narratives
In addition to her research on Tamasha, Paik critiques the narratives surrounding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the prominent caste abolitionist and architect of India’s Constitution. Her work seeks to challenge and reshape the discourse around caste and gender in India.
About the MacArthur Fellowships
The MacArthur Fellowships, commonly referred to as “genius” grants, recognize extraordinary talent across various fields, including academia, science, arts, and activism. Since their inception in 1981, 1,153 individuals have been honored with these grants, which are awarded based on anonymous recommendations without any application process. The grants come without restrictions and are distributed over five years.
Shailaja Paik‘s significant contributions to understanding the complexities of caste and gender in India exemplify the kind of innovative research the MacArthur Foundation aims to support. Her work not only sheds light on the struggles faced by Dalit women but also pushes for greater recognition and dignity within society.
