Resistance to the Grim Caste System in Indian Society with A Particular Reference to the Mulk Raj Anand's "Untouchable"

Abstract

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Mulk Raj Anand, an eminent figure in the realm of Indian literature in the English language, has garnered widespread recognition on a global scale for his literary contributions. Anand's literary trajectory is characterized by his depiction of the socio-economic circumstances and encounters of the underprivileged castes within the context of traditional Indian society. Anand delves into the subject of caste-based discrimination throughout his body of literary works, particularly in his novel entitled "Untouchable." This study aims to examine the voices of untouchables who have been discriminated against and oppressed. A qualitative data analysis method is implemented. The methodology employed in this study involves the use of textual analysis as the data collection technique, whereas the tool used for assessing the data is content analysis. The data were analyzed through an extensive compilation of quotations related to the main characters, categorizing them according to their importance and relevance using postcolonial theory as the basis for interpretations. The findings indicate that the upper caste of Hindu beliefs systematically oppresses multiple innocent individuals, leading to the denial of equal positions and opportunities in society. This suggests that they are actively reassessing the traditional relationship between the dominant and subservient social strata. The study recommends conducting further research in the field of postcolonial literature to investigate the subject of hypocrisy, discrimination, oppression, and dominance with the various methodologies employed.