Discuss the Sub-Altern perspective of David Hardiman in studying Indian Society.

It arises as a strong criticism to dominant view. Sub-alterns are those who are at the bottom of every strata - whether class or caste. This perspective tends to study history and society from the perspective of the bottom. It takes into account meanings and motives of sub-altern to create a holistic picture of society. For instance, subaltern scholar Ranajit Guha criticized elitist history for considering tribal revolts as law & order problems. He himself termed them as acts of bravery. Perspective of David Hardiman David Hardiman advocated for supreme capacity of tribals of making sacrifices. He also explained that due to their voicerous struggle, Gandhiji included them in freedom struggle. He highlighted case of Devi movement in which he explained how religious beliefs among tribals drive social change. Colonial powers in order to increase their control over tribal areas introduced liquor shops and distributed free liquor to tribal men. This caused health problems along with rising instances of domestic violence. Thus women organised and revoted against colonial officers. Thus, Hardiman's approach also includes women struggle much before than the mainstream freedom struggle. He also criticized AR Desai's Marxist approach by arguing that sub-alterns are always oppressed without changes in economic infra-structure.