Ambedkar, radical consciousness and Dalit identity: a study of Dalit agitations in Gujarat

Over the past decade, Gujarat has witnessed a surge in collective Dalit agitations against caste-based atrocities, with land rights emerging as a central demand and statewide mobilisations signalling a growing radical consciousness among Dalits. In this context, Dalit leaders and organisations have drawn on Ambedkar's legacy as a vital political resource to consolidate Dalit identity and solidarity, while advancing claims for social justice. This paper examines the continuing influence of Ambedkarite thought in Dalit agitations in Gujarat, with particular attention to the formation of radical consciousness and Dalit identity, mobilisation and agitation strategies, and their broader socio-political impact.