Socio-Cultural Study of Dalit Society in Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable

Abstract

Mulk Raj Anand’s novel Untouchable stands as a poignant socio-cultural critique of Dalit society, focusing sharply on the pervasive evils of casteism, hypocrisy, and exploitation. The narrative serves as a powerful indictment of the caste Hindus who perpetuated a system of oppression, using their privileged status to degrade and exploit the outcaste community. Through vivid portrayal, Anand exposes the hypocrisy and debauchery underlying the caste system, particularly highlighting its impact on women who were treated as mere possessions devoid of agency. In this oppressive environment, the Dalits, symbolized by the protagonist Bakha, endure profound suffering and injustice with stoic resignation, their plight exacerbated by a systemic denial of justice. Central to the novel is Bakha, a symbolic embodiment of the Dalit experience, whose aspirations for a more dignified existence reflect a burgeoning desire for social change. His fascination with Western culture and yearning for equality signify the seeds of a nascent renaissance challenging the entrenched dominion of caste Hindus. Untouchable thus emerges not only as a literary work but also as a potent call for societal introspection and reform, compelling its readers to confront the harsh realities of caste-based discrimination and envision a more equitable future.