Shailaja Paik, an Indian-American professor specializing in Dalit women’s history, has been awarded the highly esteemed MacArthur Fellowship, popularly known as the “Genius” grant. The prestigious MacArthur Foundation recognized her for her research on caste, gender, and sexuality, granting her $800,000 to support her future work.
Paik, currently a distinguished research professor at the University of Cincinnati, is widely known for her contributions to Dalit history and gender studies. In its announcement, the Foundation lauded Paik’s deep exploration of the challenges Dalit women have faced throughout history. “Through her focus on the multifaceted experiences of Dalit women, Shailaja Paik elucidates the enduring nature of caste discrimination and the forces that perpetuate untouchability,” the Foundation stated.
The MacArthur Fellowships, often referred to as “Genius” grants, are awarded to individuals across diverse fields like science, arts, and humanities, in recognition of their extraordinary creativity, achievement, and potential. What makes these awards unique is the fact that recipients are chosen anonymously based on recommendations, and there is no formal application process. The grant is intended as an investment in the individual’s future work, with no strings attached.
Full Details of Shailaja Paik’s Work
Paik’s research emphasizes the intersection of caste, gender, and sexuality in shaping the lives of Dalit women. Her groundbreaking studies highlight how Dalit women have been marginalized not only because of their caste but also due to patriarchal and sexual norms. Her most recent project, which delves into the lives of women performers in “Tamasha,” a traditional folk theatre of Maharashtra, has brought new attention to how Dalit women in this art form have been historically stigmatized.
The Foundation noted that despite efforts to reframe Tamasha as a respected cultural practice in Maharashtra, the performers—mostly Dalit women—still face stigma and are often labelled as “vulgar.” This work culminated in her recently published book, The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India, which challenges mainstream narratives surrounding caste, honour, and dignity.
Beyond her academic research, Paik’s personal story is equally inspiring. Born into a Dalit family and raised in a slum in Pune, India, Paik attributes much of her success to her father’s emphasis on education. She earned her master’s degree from Savitribai Phule University in Pune and later pursued her Ph.D. at the University of Warwick in the UK. Her academic journey eventually led her to Yale University as a visiting assistant professor of South Asian history.
In a recent interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Paik reflected on her own experiences with caste discrimination. As a member of the Dalit community, her work is not only academically significant but also deeply personal, offering insight into the often-ignored struggles of Dalit women in India.
The Impact of the MacArthur Fellowship
The MacArthur Fellowship, since its inception in 1981, has recognized individuals whose creative work has had a profound impact on their respective fields. Paik joins a prestigious list of previous fellows, including noted Indian-American figures such as economists Raj Chetty and Sendhil Mullainathan, poet A.K. Ramanujan, and mathematician L. Mahadevan.
The $800,000 grant, which will be distributed over five years, provides recipients with the freedom to pursue their research without financial constraints. For Paik, this will likely fuel further exploration into caste dynamics and gender relations in India.
Paik’s contributions have already had a global impact, shedding light on the lives and struggles of Dalit women. With the support of the MacArthur Foundation, her future work promises to break new ground and continue challenging existing caste narratives.
The MacArthur Foundation emphasizes that the Fellowship is not only an acknowledgement of past work but also an investment in the future of these talented individuals. Paik’s work aligns perfectly with the goals of the Foundation, which seeks to uplift those who are tackling some of society’s most pressing issues through research, art, and activism.
Shailaja Paik’s recognition by the MacArthur Foundation underscores the importance of continuing to explore and document the history of marginalized communities, especially in a country like India, where caste-based discrimination still prevails in many regions. With her work, Paik is amplifying the voices of Dalit women, ensuring that their stories and struggles are not erased from history.
