Subaltern Studies is an academic field that focuses on the perspectives and experiences of marginalized groups in society, particularly in the context of South Asia. It emerged in the 1980s as a response to traditional historical narratives that often overlooked the voices of the oppressed, such as peasants, workers, and women. The term "subaltern" refers to those who are socially, politically, and geographically outside the dominant power structures. The movement seeks to understand how these marginalized groups resist and negotiate their identities and histories. Scholars in Subaltern Studies analyze various forms of resistance, cultural practices, and social movements, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge and experiences. Key figures in this field include Ranajit Guha and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.