The book is an in-depth commentary on politics and political consciousness, participation and mobilisation among Dalits in modern India. Based on extensive fieldwork in eastern UP and referring to the oral traditions and collective memory of the Dalits, it discusses the social and political history of Dalits in UP from 1950 onwards. It discusses the process of politicisation of Dalit communities through their social struggles and politicisation of Dalit women in particular. It compares Dalit politics with the politics played out by dominant parties.