International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Empowering Voices: The Role of Dalit Women in Karnataka’s Political Arena

Author(s) Dr. Shivamurthy Naik N
Country India
Abstract The inaugural election in Karnataka state took place on March 26, 1952, during the time when Karnataka was officially recognized as Mysore state prior to its renaming in 1973. Notably, the inception of the Mysore Representative Assembly dates back to 1881, initiated by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar, establishing a precedent as the first of its kind in India. When delving into the political landscape of Karnataka, a predominant trend emerges from the period between 1952 and envisaged 2023, wherein the Chief Ministerial positions have predominantly been occupied by leaders hailing from dominant castes. Scrutinizing the data reflecting the extent of women's involvement in the legislative assembly unveils a disconcerting disparity, underscored by the presence of a deeply entrenched patriarchal system. Aligning with the global pursuit of gender parity and empowerment, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals place a significant emphasis on advancing women's rights, a mission that assumes critical relevance given the glaring gender gaps inherent in political representation in India, including the state of Karnataka. Despite concerted efforts to address gender inequities, a marked discrepancy persists between genders, further exacerbated by the varying degrees of political participation among women across different caste strata. The underlying causes fueling this divisive chasm warrant a closer examination, prompting questions surrounding the efficacy of constitutional reservations in augmenting the political agency of marginalized groups vis-à-vis the impact of prevailing leadership dynamics in shaping the political landscape. Delving deeper into the historical tapestry delineating th e evolution of women's involvement in Karnataka's Legislative Assembly, a nuanced exploration of the contributions made by influential Dalit women politicians emerges as a pivotal area of focus. Shedding light on the pioneering role played by these trailblazing figures is instrumental not only in recognizing their individual legacies but also in extolling the collective impact they have had in fostering societal change and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Notwithstanding the commendable strides made towards gender inclusivity, a notable absence of female legislators in the early years, notably the seminal period of 1952, underscores a poignant narrative underscoring the enduring challenges faced by women in the political realm. As we chart a course towards comprehensive understanding and analysis, unravelling the intricate dynamics shaping the participation levels and leadership capacities of both general caste and scheduled caste women in Karnataka's legislative machinery assumes paramount significance in delineating a more equitable and inclusive democratic framework.
Keywords Dalit community, Dalit women, Political participation, Karnataka politics, Women participation, Assembly election
Field Engineering
Published In Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On 2025-12-10

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