What do you understand by the term ‘subaltern’? Discuss the two phases the Subaltern Studies in India.

The term "subaltern" refers to individuals or groups who are socially, politically, and economically marginalized within a hierarchical society. Coined by Italian Marxist thinker Antonio Gramsci, the concept of the subaltern initially referred to subordinate groups whose voices and experiences were excluded or suppressed by dominant power structures. In the context of postcolonial studies and historiography, the term has been further developed to analyze and amplify the perspectives of marginalized communities and social groups.

In India, the Subaltern Studies project emerged in the 1980s as a significant intervention in historical scholarship, seeking to challenge conventional narratives dominated by elite perspectives and Eurocentric interpretations of Indian history. The Subaltern Studies collective aimed to highlight the agency and experiences of subaltern groups in shaping historical processes. The project unfolded in two distinct phases:

1. First Phase (1980s-1990s):
   The first phase of Subaltern Studies focused on critiquing mainstream historiography and reexamining Indian history from the perspective of marginalized communities. Scholars such as Ranajit Guha, Dipesh Chakrabarty, and Gyanendra Pandey, among others, emphasized the need to decenter elite narratives and highlight the agency of subaltern groups, including peasants, tribal communities, and lower castes.

   Key themes explored in the first phase included:

   • Historical Agency: The Subaltern Studies scholars emphasized the agency of subaltern groups in shaping their own destinies and resisting colonial and postcolonial hegemonies. They critiqued conventional narratives that portrayed subalterns as passive recipients of historical change.

   • Everyday Resistance: Scholars explored forms of everyday resistance and subaltern consciousness, highlighting acts of rebellion, protest, and non-cooperation that challenged dominant power structures. This approach aimed to uncover hidden histories of resistance within marginalized communities.

   • Colonial Discourse and Power: Subaltern Studies scholars critiqued colonial and nationalist discourses, revealing how these discourses constructed and perpetuated hierarchies of power. They highlighted the role of language, culture, and representation in reinforcing colonial domination.

2. Second Phase (1990s-present):
   The second phase of Subaltern Studies expanded its scope to engage with broader theoretical debates and interdisciplinary perspectives. Scholars such as Partha Chatterjee, David Arnold, and Shahid Amin further developed the project's engagement with postcolonial theory and cultural studies.

   Key themes explored in the second phase included:

   • Postcolonial Critique: Subaltern Studies scholars extended their critique beyond colonial historiography to engage with postcolonial theory. They examined the legacy of colonialism in shaping contemporary social and political structures, including issues of identity, nationalism, and globalization.

   • Gender and Subalternity: The second phase emphasized the intersectionality of subaltern identities, exploring how gender, caste, class, and ethnicity intersect to produce complex forms of subalternity. Scholars highlighted the experiences of marginalized women and LGBTQ+ communities within the subaltern framework.

   • Historiographical Debates: Subaltern Studies scholars engaged in critical debates about methodology and historiography, questioning the limits and possibilities of representing subaltern voices in academic research. They explored ethical concerns related to positionality, representation, and the politics of knowledge production.

In summary, the Subaltern Studies project in India represents a transformative intervention in historical scholarship, challenging dominant narratives and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. The project's dual phases reflect a commitment to rethinking historical methodology, expanding the scope of inquiry, and addressing broader theoretical questions in postcolonial studies. While evolving over time, Subaltern Studies continues to inspire critical scholarship that foregrounds the experiences and agency of subaltern groups in shaping historical narratives and understanding social change.