Jyotirao Phule’s Gulamgiri is a key mid-nineteenth century text that challenged Brahmanism and proposed equal human rights for the first time in the modern history of India. This immensely popular book however has not been studied with the depth that it deserves, especially in the Telugu intellectual world. Anveshi invites M.Phil and Ph.D scholars to contribute essays that discuss Gulamgiri/Slavery. The essays should engage with the historical, cultural and political critique of caste-Hinduism that Phule proposes in this book. They may also explore its contemporary relevance.

We expect the essays to be 5000 words long. They may be in English or Telugu. The competition is open only to research scholars registered in the universities of current Andhra Pradesh (Telangana+Seemandhra).  The essays should be submitted before 30th September.  Selected essayists would be called for a personal discussion to verify authorship. The three best essays will be awarded a certificate and a cash prize of Rs.10,000 each.

Essays should be sent to the following address, by post, email or in person. Please add ‘Anveshi Essay Competition 2013’ on the envelope and in the ‘subject line’ in email. Kindly include your postal address and contact number along with the essay.

Last Date: 15th October 2013

Address:  Anveshi Research Centre for Women’s Studies,  2-2-18/49, Durgabai Deshmukh colony, Hyderabad 500013;

Phone: 27423690; Fax: 27423168; Email: anveshirc@gmail.com