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• A Reviewer Bhumihar: A declining caste

  An important caste of Eastern India, the Bhumihars have been in focus in 80s and 90s of last century for the Ranveer Sena, responsible for brutal dalit massacres in innumerable cases. The Sena comprosed solely of Bhumihars has brought massive damages to the caste in general. Their lands in districts, e. g. old Shahabad, Gaya, Patna etc. remained fallow for years; their daughters unmarried. The anti-Bhumihar forces was built up by the naxals and Maoists, mostly hailing from the dalits and their sympathizers. Rural as well as urban areas in Bihar, motives and objectives of the Bhumihars are viewed with suspicion, disrespect and hatred by everyone per se. Hardly anybody nurses any kind words for them. Viewed as always scheming, harmful and greedy for gains by others wealth and connection, Bhumihar is a dreaded by all other castes. Educationally they are well off. Politically Lalu Prasad clipped off their wings. Nitish Kumar has been suitably using them to his advantages, which the Bhumihars are extremely aware and hence deeply resentful. Last time he had threw out some ministers from his cabinet and Bhumihar were largest brigade to suffer as a result. By using his prerogative Nitishji has given most humiliating blow to their image as a caste, proud and self conscious. Can they overcome their feudal mentality? Has the book been able to focus on it?