Mr. Sudhir Siddharth Jagtap, Dr. Shaikh Laikh Shaikh Mahmood
Department of English, Kohinoor Arts Commerce and Science college, Khultabad, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad
Abstract
Untouchable written by Mulk Raj Anand is one of the seminal works in Indian English literature which portrays the harsh realities of caste-based oppression Dalits went through during British rule in India. Untouchable captures a single day in the life of Bakha, an untouchable sweeper, and tries to expose the inhumane practices and prejudices entrenched in the caste system. The present article examines the usage of social realism in the novel to critique societal hierarchies, explore the psychological impact of untouchability, and advocate for systemic reform. Untouchable provides a lucid picture of marginalized Dalit lives, authentic representation of marginalized voices, and critique of religious orthodoxy. It analyses the narrative that portrays caste discrimination that Bakha has to go through. It is Anand’s an attempt to meagre the sufferings of Dalits by providing an interplay of traditional beliefs and modern ideologies like Gandism and technological progress. It also explores Anand’s literary devices, including irony, satire, and stream-of-consciousness narration, which enhance the novel's emotional and intellectual appeal. The relevance of Untouchable in contemporary India is also discussed, highlighting its enduring significance in the fight against caste-based discrimination and its role in fostering discourse on equality and human dignity. This exploration of Untouchable demonstrates how Anand’s work transcends its historical context to remain a powerful critique of systemic injustice and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Keywords: Caste, Untouchable, Discrimination, Dalits, Realism, Struggle, Modern
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR)

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Published on : 2025-01-04

Vol : 11
Issue : 1
Month : January
Year : 2025
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