Identity assertion is still largely Limited to political and social spaces

Normally, no—it’s definitely a later construct.

- PRATUL SHARMA

Q Icons like Ashoka and Shivaji are being reinterpreted as caste representatives. But in many cases, like Ashoka's, their actual caste is unknown. So, as a historian, do you think caste is a reference point in such cases?

Normally, no-it's definitely a later construct. The political angle is central, because politics here revolves around caste. But another factor is competition-each caste now seeks its own icon. Some big names, some small, but it's about asserting not just caste identity, but also a broader social identity. So this phenomenon must be seen in that context, too.

Q Do you think this trend is new, or was it always there?