Abstract

The Mandal Commissions implementation in the early 1990s redefined the contours of Indian politics initiating a phase of assertive backward caste politics and reshaping the political landscape across the Hindi heartland. However for Dalits—historically placed outside the varna system and subjected to systemic marginalization—the post-Mandal era has brought a complex mix of empowerment political assertion social transformation and renewed challenges. This paper explores the trajectory of Dalit politics and its role in facilitating or hindering social mobility in post-Mandal India. It examines the evolution of political representation the emergence of Dalit-led parties changes in caste consciousness and the interplay of identity politics with economic liberalization and globalization. The paper also critically analyzes how symbolic representation has sometimes masked deeper structural exclusions and highlights the need for a more inclusive and justice-oriented political discourse.