Caste on the Plate: Culinary Practices as Expressions of Social Stratification

Shahu Patole’s Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada is a powerful, unapologetic reclamation of a culinary tradition that has been systematically erased and stigmatized. Originally titled Anna He Apoorna Brahma in Marathi, this book is masterfully translated by Bhushan Korgaonkar, a distinguished multilingual writer and director. Known for his vibrant columns in Mint Lounge and Loksatta where he celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra and Goa, Korgaonkar brings an unmatched depth and passion to this translation. The book brings to light the culinary traditions of Maharashtra’s Dalit communities, especially those of the Mahars and Mangs, whose food culture has long been overshadowed and marginalized by the dominant caste narratives. In a society where food not only sustains but also reinforces social stratification, this work stands as a crucial intervention in both Dalit studies and Indian food history. At the same time, it even challenges mainstream narratives that have historically erased subaltern culinary practices.