HINTS

Iconography is the representation of a person, an idea, a symbol for showing resemblance to ones beliefs. Dalit Iconography is represented in the form of the statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in parks, institutions and other public places.

Significances of dalit iconography

1. Recognizing efforts: It helps people in recognizing the glorious efforts, contributions made by the national leaders.
2. Recognizing ill treatment:  It presents recognition of the historical ill-treatment of Dalits by the majority sections of the society.
3. Hope: It brings out a hope for Dalits to be part of the society.
4. Motivation to fight: It motivates Dalits to fight against discrimination as Dr. Ambedkar fought against it.
5. Tool of empowerment: Serves as a tool of Dalit assertion of occupation of public spaces and social media.
6. Reminder: It’s a strong reminder that the Indian Constitution has prohibited untouchability in all its forms

 Negative connotations of dalit iconography.

1. Wastes of public funds :  Race for taller / bigger statues causing wasteful expenditure of resources.
2. Vote bank politics: Its a major reason for voting out of political party in Uttar Pradesh.
3. Social tensions: Serves as tool for manufactured clashes between different communities which snowballs into larger social tensions.
4. Hijacking of personality: This also have the potential of national leaders being hijacked for political gains and keep them in the confines of single issues.
5. Biased emotions:Can be used by leaders to flare up biased emotions of dalits rather than promoting rational action.
6. Caste card: Increases the hatred between the Upper and lower class.

Thus, we need iconographies but only to a limited extent. What is important is to imbibe the ideas of these icons in our daily lives which will secure the true need of having these icons and will ultimately make the iconography obsolete. Hence sectional politics should be avoided and emphasis on overall development should be increase.