Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part J (2025)

Through the perspectives of Dalit feminists, particularly Telugu writer Joopaka Subhadra, also known as Jupaka Subhadra, and her potent poem Kongu, this piece examines the resilience, fortitude, and endurance of Dalit women. Rather than focusing solely on caste or gender, it explores the ways in which these factors interact, demonstrating how female Dalit writers challenge male supremacy and inflexible societal hierarchy by regaining control through their work. It demonstrates how Subhadra transforms everyday tasks into symbols, such as the "kongu," that loose edge of a sari, as representations of pride in work and the additional burden Dalit women endure, rather than viewing labor as merely a struggle. The conversation highlights how Dalit women's work has been overlooked in previous literature, implying that dignity is a silent form of revolt rather than passivity. primary objectives? examining how Kongu influences feminist discourse around caste-based work while creating new avenues for future studies on the artistic expression of Dalit women.