Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada
Shahu Patole's pioneering manifesto, 'Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada', unfolds a captivating and heartfelt examination of Dalit culinary heritage as seen through the lens of the Mahar and Mang communities in Maharashtra. Initially unveiled in Marathi under the title 'Anna He Apoorna Brahma', this memoir-infused narrative, rich with recipes, plunges into the intricate dynamics linking gastronomy, caste hierarchies, and systemic prejudice. Patole scrutinizes the ways in which food has perpetuated societal segregation, challenging entrenched ideas about what constitutes 'purity', 'royal fare', or 'taboo'. The book paints a striking image of the 'humble man's eclectic platter', brimming with dishes often absent from elite gastronomy and lacking opulent ingredients such as oil, ghee, and milk. Melding personal anecdotes with culinary wisdom, Patole invites readers to rethink the timeless sentiment 'you are what you consume', underscoring food's profound role in safeguarding cultural heritage and nurturing communal ties. This English rendition reveals a crucial viewpoint on Indian gastronomy and social frameworks, establishing it as an essential read for culinary aficionados and scholars of social history.
- Author: Shahu Patole
- Publisher: HarperCollins India (2 June 2024)
- Genre: Cooking & Culinary Arts
- ISBN: 978-9356295834
- Pages: 386 pages