A Study of Miseries Felt by Dalits inMulk Raj Anand’s Novel Untouchable

Abstract

A struggle has been an integral part of outcast people for a long period of time. They have to face so many challenges and problems for survival. The situation is not improved much even in independent India of the 21st century. Mulk Raj Anand is the author of social novels who represents vices of society like injustice with downtrodden people, unemployment, poverty, and other issues in general. His novels are the mirror of contemporary India. ‘Untouchable’ is the finest example of Mulk Raj Anand’s all novels in which he displays the critical and painful condition of Dalit people.
The novel deals with issues like prohibition of using facilities like going to temples, using public well, and schools for socially ignored people. The rigid caste system and orthodox division system create an injustice for this community. The situation, in the novel, is pathetic when untouchables use the public roads; they have to clean the road which they have used for walking by binding a broom with their bodies. Bakha, one of the central characters of the novel reveals a true picture of downtrodden people by facing so many humiliations. He is representative of miseries faced by members of the community to which he belongs .
Present paper shows though India is reaching at the height of scientific and technological advancement but Dalits are not given that scope to be an important part of the society. People still hesitate to reside in the area of these people. This community has to build their homes far away from the town or villages.
Paper presents the critical analysis of the major social problems depicted in the novel ‘Untouchable’ by keeping in mind miseries faced by downtrodden people.