An Untold Saga of the Politics of Identity: The Struggle for Recognition of the Naths of Bengal

The Naths of Bengal belong to the Yogi caste which can be seen from the perspective of ‘a struggle for recognition’. The Naths of Bengal have been asserting their identity and showing resistance against the Brahmanical caste order since the mid-nineteenth century through breaking the monopoly of the Brahmans over priestcraft, sacred thread, and the apex position of the caste hierarchy. All of these monopolies were challenged by the Naths and they contested their position in the system of hierarchy through the popular ‘origin myth’ of their caste. However, the question of the Naths is still unaddressed in the academic realm. Despite their social resistance against their ascribed status, the Naths are lagging in the arena of politics in post-colonial West Bengal since they are unenthusiastic to politicise themselves.