Who is Shailaja Paik? The First Dalit to Receive the $800,000 'MacArthur Fellowship'

Shailaja Paik (Source: MacArthur Foundation)

US-based historian Shailaja Paik has become the first Dalit person to receive the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, often called the "genius grant." The $800,000 award recognizes Paik's work in exploring the intersection of caste, gender, and sexuality through the lives of Dalit women.

Paik's research focuses on the history of caste domination in India. Her first book, " Dalit Women’s Education in Modern India: Double Discrimination (2014)," examines the struggles faced by Dalit women in seeking education. Her second book, "The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India (2022)," focuses on the lives of Dalit women who perform Tamasha, a popular form of folk theater. She has been praised for her insightful analysis and ability to tell marginalised people's stories.

Shailaja Paik earned her BA (1994) and MA (1996) from the University of Pune before completing her PhD (2007) at the University of Warwick. She began her academic career as a visiting assistant professor of history at Union College (2008-2010) and later held a postdoctoral position and served as a visiting assistant professor of South Asian history at Yale University (2012-2013). Since joining the University of Cincinnati in 2010, Paik has been a distinguished professor of history and holds affiliate appointments in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Asian Studies.

The MacArthur Fellowship is a highly competitive award that is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and potential. Paik is one of only 25 people to receive the award this year. Paik's work is likely to have a significant impact on the study of Indian history and culture. She is a leading voice on issues of caste, gender, and sexuality.