Shifting perceptions of ‘community’ and ‘state’: Historical outline of socio-political role of khap panchayats and its caste and gender dimensions

The article outlines the history of the socio-political role of Khap panchayats along with its caste and gender dimensions from the pre-independent period to contemporary times. It engages in the discursive analysis of the histories written by Pradhans and other members of Khap panchayats as well as written applications, circulars and press notices discussing the issues undertaken by two main Sarvakhap panchayats; Sauram and Maham Chaubisi. Such analysis unfolds how perceptions of the ‘community’ and the ‘other’ have been shifting within its leadership across different historical periods. The discussion also underlines the contestation of power reflected through the state of self- styled leadership among these panchayats and involvement of these panchayats in electoral politics. While discussing the prime agendas of the Khap panchayats in the last decade, it explains how with the gradual erosion of authority, the leaders of the panchayats are getting involved in the newer issues to fulfil their aspirations for power. It also points out the continuity in terms of caste and gender dynamics of organizational structure and decision making processes of these panchayats in the present times.