Shailaja Paik, an Indian-American historian, has been awarded an $800,000 “genius” grant from the MacArthur Foundation for her groundbreaking research on Dalit women. The fellowship, which recognizes extraordinary talent and potential, was announced recently and highlights Paik’s focus on the complex experiences of Dalit women, shedding light on the persistent issues of caste discrimination and untouchability.
Currently serving as a distinguished research professor of history at the University of Cincinnati, Paik also holds affiliations in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Asian Studies. Her work provides critical insights into how gender and sexuality intersect with caste oppression, denying Dalit women their dignity and personhood.
The MacArthur Foundation noted that Paik’s recent project examines the lives of Tamasha performers—women involved in a traditional form of folk theatre practiced predominantly by Dalits in Maharashtra. Despite attempts to elevate Tamasha as an honorable cultural practice, societal perceptions continue to label these performers as “ashlil,” or vulgar. This research culminated in her book, The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India.
Born into a Marathi-speaking Dalit family in Maharashtra, Paik’s commitment to education was inspired by her father’s dedication. She holds a BA and MA from the University of Pune and earned her PhD from the University of Warwick. Previously, she served as a visiting assistant professor at Yale University.
In an interview with NPR, Paik expressed her excitement about receiving the fellowship, emphasizing her mission to highlight the resilience and agency of Dalit women through her research. The MacArthur Fellowships have been awarded since 1981 to individuals across various fields who demonstrate exceptional creativity and impact.
