Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part A (2021)

Untouchable (1935), a seminal work of Indian literature by Mulk Raj Anand, is a scathing indictment of the caste system and the injustices it upholds and oppresses. The story revolves on Bakha, a young man from an untouchable caste who lives in pre-independence India and faces immense social and economic discrimination as a result of his caste. Instead of making Bakha seem to be a defenseless victim, Anand portrays him as a rebel against the cruel caste discriminatory systems. Through Bakha's struggles, aspirations, and interactions with higher-caste individuals, Anand explores the possibility of resistance and change. There are several voices demanding social change, and the book echoes these sentiments, reflecting the broader social movements of the time, most notably the anti-untouchability campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, Untouchable examines the ways in which education and modernisation have posed a threat to caste structures, while critically examining the interplay between race and caste under British colonial rule. Anand raises the picture of the untouchables' experiences and resistance via the usage of literary elements like stream-of-consciousness and authentic linguistic choices. The book's enduring significance and impact on subsequent Dalit literature demonstrate its value as a critique of social injustice and a call for social change. Because of its nuanced depiction of caste-based oppression and resistance, the classic Indian novel Untouchable has sparked discussions on social justice and transformation.