Explicating the Treatment of Dalit in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things

Abstract

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of Arundhati Roy's novel The God of Small Things, focusing on the portrayal and treatment of Dalits. The primary objective is to examine how the novel depicts the concept of Dalit treatment within the framework of the postcolonial era. Various instances throughout the narrative illustrate diverse forms of Dalit treatment, highlighting issues such as caste segregation, identity struggles, and resistance against feudal and patriarchal structures imposed by the economically and socially influential upper castes. The novel reflects on these themes through a series of events that underscore the complexities of self-identification, gender dynamics, economic disparity, and societal norms prevalent in the depicted community. This paper provides a detailed exploration of each type of Dalit treatment portrayed, offering insights into the broader socio-cultural implications within the novel.