A few days ago, I came across the news that, in today’s BJP-led India, the children of former rulers of the Maratha Empire, the sons and daughters of Shivaji, are struggling to be included in the OBC. The Government of India uses the term OBC (Other Backward Class) to classify castes that are educationally or socially backward.
It would be interesting for many to recall the events of history. Once, the Maratha people had their own empire, the Maratha Empire, an early modern Indian empire that rose in the 17th century and dominated much of the Indian subcontinent during the 18th century. The prosperous Maratha Empire was known for warriors, administrators, and nobility, primarily from the Maratha, what is known today as a dominant caste in Maharashtra.
The Marathas, or 1/3 of the population of Maharashtra, are a Marathi-speaking warrior community. They became politically active under the leadership of Shivaji, their first king. Shivaji rule ended in 1818 after defeat by the British East India Company.
The proud Marathas could not adjust well to British rule and the English language. British rule did not view the Marathas favorably, similar to the majority of Muslim populations in India. The Marathas, known for their fierce independence and strong sense of identity, found it particularly challenging to accept the dominance of the British and adapt to their cultural norms. Consequently, the British suppressed them significantly and implemented policies aimed at undermining their influence and power. This marginalization not only impacted their social standing but also hindered their ability to fully participate in the political and economic spheres under British rule.
After independence in 1947, a large population of the Indian subcontinent, both in Pakistan and India, struggled against a new local master, the brown sahib. Hence, they did not enjoy the fruit of independence. This is also the story of the Maratha people in India. The state of Maharashtra currently faces distress with ruined agriculture, a lack of industry, and high unemployment rates. Access to quality education is extremely difficult for Maratha, depriving them of government jobs.
In absence of business and related economic activities, Marathas demand a fair share of government jobs and access to technical and professional educational intuitions. Economic empowerment and the creation of jobs are the needs of the hour. However, the BJP has become accustomed to grabbing majority votes by igniting communal differences. It cannot impress the Maratha community because the Muslim or Christian population is very small and the ‘communal card’ is not working. Maratha demands economic prosperity, to which the BJP has no quick fix answer.
The protests and agitations in Maharashtra have intensely increased. It is likely to escalate with every passing day due to the Indian general elections in May 2024. The BJP is finding it difficult to satisfy a large Hindu majority state.
Marathas, battered by neglect and lack of opportunities, are teetering on the edge. Hopelessness and desperation grip many, with 12 suicides this year alone a stark testament to the crushing burden of poverty. To avert further tragedy, immediate action is vital: address their economic struggles and grant equal opportunities. Only then can hope bloom amidst despair.
The Maratha community in India faces critical issues like unemployment, educational barriers, and limited healthcare access. These challenges hold back their progress and perpetuate a cycle of poverty. The BJP government must prioritize the Marathas’ well-being by implementing effective policies that foster inclusive growth and elevate their socio-economic status. Neglecting these concerns risks further hardship for the community, worsening their already precarious situation.
Maratha unrest demands action. The Modi government must reach out. Honest talks with leaders, understanding specific needs, building trust – these are the keys. Only then can targeted efforts uplift this proud community, preventing further hardship.
The author, Atta Rasool Malik, hails from semi-tribal areas of Pakistan. He is a veteran and holds an M.Phil. degree in international relations from the National Defence University in Islamabad. His interests include political economy, the politics of South Asia, the Middle East, and Islamic and Jewish theology.