Write a short note on describe principles of Dalit historiography.

Dalit historiography is a scholarly discipline that seeks to reclaim, document, and interpret the historical experiences, contributions, and struggles of Dalits, formerly known as "untouchables," within the broader narrative of Indian history. Rooted in the principles of social justice, equality, and empowerment, Dalit historiography challenges dominant historical narratives that have marginalized, misrepresented, or erased the voices and experiences of Dalits.

One of the key principles of Dalit historiography is the centrality of Dalit perspectives and agency in shaping historical narratives. Rather than viewing Dalits solely as passive victims of oppression, Dalit historians emphasize the resilience, resistance, and agency of Dalit communities in the face of caste-based discrimination, exploitation, and marginalization. By foregrounding Dalit voices and experiences, Dalit historiography seeks to recover and amplify the untold stories of Dalit struggles, movements, and achievements throughout history.

Another principle of Dalit historiography is the critique of dominant historical discourses that perpetuate caste-based prejudices, stereotypes, and biases. Dalit historians challenge the Brahminical hegemony in historical scholarship and expose the ways in which caste privilege has shaped interpretations of the past. They interrogate colonial and nationalist historiographies that have often overlooked or downplayed the atrocities and injustices inflicted upon Dalits, offering alternative narratives that reflect the complexity and diversity of Dalit experiences.

Furthermore, Dalit historiography adopts an interdisciplinary approach that draws upon diverse methodologies, sources, and perspectives to reconstruct Dalit history. In addition to archival research and textual analysis, Dalit historians utilize oral histories, autobiographies, folklore, and community memory as valuable sources for documenting Dalit experiences and perspectives. They also engage with theories of caste, gender, and subaltern studies to analyze the intersections of caste-based oppression with other forms of social inequality and discrimination.

Ultimately, Dalit historiography aims to contribute to the broader project of social justice, equality, and democratization by challenging hegemonic narratives, promoting historical awareness, and empowering Dalit communities to reclaim their past, assert their identity, and demand justice in the present. Through its commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging entrenched power structures, Dalit historiography serves as a vital tool for advancing the cause of Dalit liberation and social transformation.