Kanshiram: Leader of the Dalits

Drawing on oral histories and written sources, the book examines Kanshiram's distinctive methods of political mobilisation, including his use of accessible language, cycle rallies and local folk traditions. It also explores his interpretation of caste identity as a basis for building political power and his complex relationship with Mayawati.

Badri Narayan is a professor at the G.B. Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad. His research focuses on popular culture, social and anthropological history, Dalit and subaltern issues. He has written extensively on Dalit politics, social movements and identity and has been a Fulbright Senior Fellow and Smuts Fellow at the University of Cambridge.

The book follows Kanshiram's transformation from a young man influenced by Ambedkarite thought into a pioneering organiser and political strategist. It describes his founding of BAMCEF and his eventual role in establishing the Bahujan Samaj Party, which changed the landscape of Indian politics.

Badri Narayan also examines Kanshiram's distinctive approach to Dalit mobilisation, his emphasis on self-respect and political representation, his alliances across caste groups, and his close association with Mayawati. The result is a detailed portrait of a leader who profoundly influenced Dalit society and the course of Indian politics.