Includes bibliographical references (pages B-1-B-6) and index.

"First-ever textbook dealing with the marginalized communities and weaker sections of the Indian society through historical and contemporary societal perspectives. Marginalized and weaker sections of India such as scheduled castes, OBCs and scheduled tribes, and minorities -- linguistic, religious and sexual -- have been studied under different disciplines over the years, especially sociology, social anthropology, social work and political science. This book comprehensively brings together the major findings and debates around all the marginalized, socially excluded and weaker sections of the Indian society"--