A recent resurgence in social media discussions has thrust a 2021 research paper co-authored by Dr. Priyanka Tripathi, Associate Professor of English at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, into the spotlight. Titled "Gendered and Casteist Body: Cast(e)ing and Castigating the Female Body in select Bollywood Films," the paper examines the portrayal of Dalit women in Indian cinema through the lens of intersectional oppression involving gender and caste. Critics have zeroed in on passages suggesting that rape is normalized within patriarchal norms of Hindu society, reigniting debates on academic expression, cultural critique, and the boundaries of scholarly discourse in India's premier engineering institutions.

The controversy highlights tensions in higher education, where humanities research intersects with sensitive societal issues like caste, gender violence, and religious identity. As IITs evolve beyond technical education to include liberal arts, such works prompt questions about research relevance, methodological rigor, and institutional accountability.

Unpacking the Controversial Research Paper

Published in the Journal of International Women’s Studies by Bridgewater State University, the paper analyzes two Bollywood films: Shekhar Kapur's Bandit Queen (1994), based on the life of Phoolan Devi, and Anubhav Sinha's Article 15 (2019), inspired by real caste-based atrocities. Co-authored with Bidisha Pal from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Partha Bhattacharjee from Amity University, it argues that Dalit women's bodies are sites of 'double oppression' under Brahminical patriarchy, where sexual violence serves as a tool of caste domination.

The authors draw on real incidents, such as Phoolan Devi's gang-rapes by upper-caste Thakurs and the 2014 Badaun case involving Dalit girls. They contend that cinema perpetuates these dynamics, with rape depicted not as random but 'structured' within societal hierarchies.

Key Claims and Quotes Sparking Debate

Central to the backlash are statements like: "The act of rape is normalised within the patriarchal ‘norms’ of Hindu society and is associated with the inevitable outcome of staunch orthodoxy." The paper cites Jean Chapman to assert that "Brahmanical Hinduism normalises subtleties of misogynistic activities," framing rape as structured rather than incidental.

Another provocative line: "The spectacle of cinema depicts a sustained form of Savarna patriarchy in the act of public rape." Dalit women are portrayed as 'impure' yet consumable bodies, subjected to gang rapes as 'territorial acquisition.' While contextualized to film representations and historical cases, detractors view these as blanket indictments of Hindu society.

• Bandit Queen: Phoolan Devi's repeated gang rapes and parading naked symbolize casteist control.
• Article 15: Gang rape of Dalit sisters as punishment for demanding wages illustrates graded inequality.

Dr. Priyanka Tripathi's Academic Journey

Dr. Tripathi, holding a PhD from IIT Kharagpur, joined IIT Patna in 2013 and rose to Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). Her research spans medical humanities, gender studies, South Asian fiction, and graphic novels, with over 160 publications in outlets like Routledge, Taylor & Francis, and Feminist Encounters.

She has fellowships from the University of Leeds and Edinburgh, edits journals on women's studies and comics, and authored books like The Gendered War (Bloomsbury, 2022). Her prolific output reflects expertise in feminist critiques of media and culture, often using decolonial and intersectional frameworks.

For aspiring academics, exploring such interdisciplinary paths can open doors in higher education careers. IIT Patna's HSS department exemplifies how technical institutes foster liberal arts research amid India's expanding higher ed landscape.

Previous Publications and Emerging Patterns

Dr. Tripathi's oeuvre frequently dissects gender violence in media. Notable works include "(En)Queering ‘Prakriti’" (2025), linking Hindu concepts of Prakriti and Shakti to lesbian ecofeminism, and analyses of contraceptive awareness, sexual harassment in films, and bar dancers' narratives. Earlier pieces critique Vedic-era attitudes toward girls and patriarchal interpretations of Manusmriti.

Critics allege a pattern of invoking Hindu scriptures to underscore patriarchy, such as reinterpreting Shakti for queer resistance or Shivling veneration as post-matriarchal. Supporters see this as legitimate decolonial scholarship challenging power structures.

Public Reaction and Social Media Storm

The paper, dormant since 2021, resurfaced via X (formerly Twitter) posts from accounts like @OpIndia_com and @GemsofAcademia, amassing thousands of views and accusations of 'Hinduphobia.' Facebook and LinkedIn amplified calls for IIT Patna accountability, labeling it 'anti-Hindu propaganda.' No verified response from Dr. Tripathi or the institute has emerged.

This echoes broader online vigilantism against academics, as seen in IIT Delhi's caste conference row.

Gender-Based Violence in India: Statistical Context

India grapples with high gender violence rates. Per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, over 31,000 rape cases were reported in 2022, with conviction rates hovering at 27-30%. Dalit women face disproportionate risks; NCRB notes elevated atrocities under the SC/ST Act.

Bollywood's role in shaping perceptions is debated, with studies critiquing rape tropes in item songs and narratives. The paper fits into this discourse, though its phrasing invites misinterpretation outside academic circles.

Academic Freedom in Indian Higher Education

IITs, once STEM bastions, now host HSS departments amid National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's multidisciplinary push. Yet, V-Dem's 2025 report ranks India low on academic freedom, citing curbs on 'controversial' topics like caste and gender.

Similar rows—JNU historians, IIT Madras panels—underscore chilling effects. Humanities scholars risk doxxing, yet critique cultural norms vital for reform. Balancing freedom with sensitivity remains key for institutions like IIT Patna.

Prospective faculty might explore faculty positions in evolving IIT HSS departments.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Implications

Critics from right-leaning outlets decry 'woke' agendas eroding Hindu pride; feminists defend intersectional analysis as essential for Dalit justice. No peer critiques of the paper surfaced, affirming its scholarly place.

For IITs, this tests autonomy amid public scrutiny. Enhanced peer review, public engagement, and ethics training could mitigate flare-ups.

Photo by Saurav Kumar on Unsplash

Toward Constructive Dialogue in Research

The episode underscores need for nuanced discourse. Researchers must clarify scopes—here, cinematic critiques, not societal wholesale condemnation. Institutions should uphold freedom while addressing grievances transparently.

Students and faculty can rate experiences at Rate My Professor, seek career advice, or browse professor jobs. Engaging diverse views fosters resilient higher education.

Read the full paper here.