Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Anand Teltumbde on Prison Hierarchy and Caste Census
Anand Teltumbde, a professor who was in prison for two years, wrote two books.
One is about his time in prison, and the other is about caste.
In prison, he saw that class, not caste, makes the rules.
Rich people, even if they are criminals, have more power.
He also talked about how a caste census might not be a good idea because it could make caste problems worse.
He thinks society is not free for everyone, just like prison is not free for prisoners.
He believes that people are scared to protest because they are afraid of the government.
Anand Teltumbde wrote two books about his prison experiences and caste dynamics.
In prison, class hierarchy is more prominent than caste hierarchy.
Teltumbde believes a caste census could expose privileges and worsen caste dynamics.
He argues that society's restrictions are similar to those in prison, with class, caste, and gender limiting freedom.
Teltumbde thinks people are afraid to protest due to government intimidation.
- Who
- Anand Teltumbde, a Dalit scholar and management professor
- What
- Discussion on prison hierarchy, caste census, and societal issues
- When
- Interview conducted after the publication of his books in late 2023
- Where
- Interview published in Lounge
- Why
- To share his experiences and views on prison life, caste dynamics, and societal issues
- Author
- Anand Teltumbde
- Books Published
- The Cell and the Soul, The Caste Con Census
- Arrest Year
- 2020
- Bail Granted
- 2022
- Prison Duration
- More than two years
- Accusation
- Role in 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence
- Current Status
- On bail, teaching at Goa Institute of Management
- Caste Census
- Criticized for potential exposure of privileges