Damul, 1985. Director: Prakash Jha, Hindi

Ankita and Azhar take you to Bihar this time–the richest Indian region before colonialism–plundered by many invading forces, including the British Raj and East India Company. Damul is a film about bonded labor and casteism. It is based on the story "Kaalsootra" by Shaiwal, a native writer of Gaya, Bihar. Ankita and Azhar dive deeper into the political economy of caste and gender while critically analysing the possibilities of resistance in a land notorious for violence. A native of Bihar herself, Ankita weaves experience and insight to discuss one of the most realistic portrayals of Bihar's socio-political culture.  Note: The co-hosts use words like Chamaar, Ahir, etc., in connection to labor explicitly. They acknowledge how these words are often used as slurs by Savarnas and vehemently reject the negative connotations associated with them.  As always, please subscribe to the podcast, and don't forget to leave us a review!