Abstract

Subaltern groups are people in the society who constitute a class in the society that is subject to the hegemonical domination of the ruling class or the dominant class. When such groups pursue their goals and make themselves heard, the collective term for such movements is commonly known as ‘subaltern political movements’. These movements challenge the existing power structures by questioning and attempting to fundamentally transform the social or political order established by the ruling elites. To achieve their goals, sometimes these groups are lured by the prospect of violence as they believe that it can help advance their goals and make themselves heard. However, the use of violence can have unintended and undesirable consequences that undermine the very purpose of the movement. Resorting to violence can lead individuals to adopt aggressive tendencies, disregarding alternative options such as dialogue or diplomacy to resolve conflicts. This inclination towards aggression can foster a culture of violence, perpetuating cycles of hostility within society. Such cycles emerge when there is a violent exchange between those employing violence to resist and the dominant class striving to maintain its power. This is drawn from the premise set by Karl Marx in the Manifesto of the Communist Party. Consequently, this disruption affects public life, straining the resources, apparatus, and harmony of society. A prominent example of this phenomenon is observed in the Naxalite movement, where the initial zeal of the movement was eroded over time due to the prolonged use of violence by both the subaltern group and the state.

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