Uncovering the Hidden Narratives: A Journey Through the Evolution of Dalit Literature

Explore the world of Dalit literature, telling the stories of India's marginalised community known as the "untouchables." A genre born to shed light on their struggles and experiences, challenging the caste system and fighting for equality. Ready to hear the voices of the oppressed rise in triumph?

Young Marathi writer-activists formed the Dalit Panthers in 1972 to draw attention to the prejudice and repression experienced by Dalits in India. It was inspired by the Black Panthers of the U.S.; Source: The Ambedkarite Today

The theories of the origins of the earth and the creation of humans are abundant in religion. In Hindu mythology, several creation theories make interesting claims about how did humans come into being. The earliest reference to the creation of humans dates back to the early Vedic period. The tenth mandala of the Rig Veda, the Purushasukta hymn, states that humans were formed from the great primaeval man or Brahma. Later texts also refer to Vishnu as the great primaeval man. The hymn explains that the body of the first man was divided into several parts and became the origin of the different sections of the society - from his head came the Brahmins, intelligent and knowledgeable; from his shoulders came the Kshatriyas, those who will wield the arms and become the rulers; from his abdomen came the Vaishyas, who will be agriculturalists and merchants; and from his feet came the Shudras, the lowest of all, created to serve the other three castes. This became the varna system.

The choice of body parts is significant here and attests to the social status of each varna. Though, based on occupation in its earliest stage, over time, the division became fixed and hereditary. By the time of Shastras, Shudras were deemed inferior to all other varnas. This led to their marginalization and discrimination against them over centuries. This belief system has been used to justify their exclusion from full participation in Hindu social life and continues to be a major source of discrimination against Dalits in India, even today.

The phrase "Dalit literature" was first used in 1958 in Bombay at the first-ever Dalit conference. The name "Dalit" didn't gain popularity, though, until the Dalit Panthers organisation was created in 1972 by a group of young Marathi writer-activists. The organisation's name reflected their kinship and support for the Black Panthers, who were actively fighting for African Americans' civil rights in the US. The rising body of Dalit literature, poetry, books, and autobiographies aims to break the long-standing silence around these experiences, which is frequently enforced by religious and societal punishments.

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Dr B.R. Ambedkar were the driving forces behind the Dalit literature movement. They played a crucial role in shaping the identity of the Dalit communities, who were previously considered untouchables. These leaders were the first to use the term "Dalit" to describe their plight and to give them a voice. Through their tireless efforts, they transformed the perception of these communities and helped them reclaim their dignity. The Dalit literature movement serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all people.

The Dalit literary movement began in the early 20th century with the publication of "The Untouchable" by Mulk Raj Anand in 1935. This novel, which was written in English, was one of the first to give voice to the Dalit experience and helped to pave the way for more Dalit writings in the years to come.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant increase in the number of Dalit writers and the publication of their works. This period saw the emergence of a new generation of Dalit writers who wrote in regional languages, including Marathi, Hindi, and Tamil. These writers, such as B.R. Ambedkar, Namdeo Dhasal, and Sharankumar Limbale, wrote about their experiences of caste-based discrimination and the struggles of their community for equality and dignity.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Dalit literature began to receive more recognition and support from the literary community. This period saw the publication of several anthologies of Dalit writing and the establishment of literary awards for Dalit writers. The works of Dalit writers such as Omprakash Valmiki, Daya Pawar, and Urmila Pawar began to receive critical acclaim and were translated into various other languages.

Today, Dalit literature has become a prominent aspect of modern activism, utilising the power of the written word to bring attention to the experiences and struggles of the Dalit community. New authors are emerging and shaping the literary landscape with their powerful and impactful works. The works of Dalit writers such as P. Sivakami, Vijila Chirrappad, Dev Kumar, Baby Kamble, Meena Kandasamy, and K. Satyanarayana have gained recognition both in India and internationally. With the increasing awareness of Dalit issues, there has been a renewed interest in the works of Dalit writers and their contributions to Indian literature. The publication of Dalit literature in English has also helped to promote the voices of Dalit writers to a wider audience.

Overall, Dalit literature conveys a message of unity within the community, resistance against oppression and a call for progress rather than regression. Through their literature, Dalit authors aim to bring attention to the exploitative and marginalised status of their community to the world at large.

While the journey towards equality and justice for Dalit communities has been long and challenging, the future holds several promises. With the continued growth of Dalit literature and the increasing visibility of Dalit voices in mainstream media, there is hope for a more inclusive and equitable society. The stories and perspectives shared through Dalit literature can serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals to take action and work towards creating a better future for all communities.

The future holds great potential for growth and progress, and we must continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Dalit writers, ensuring that their stories are heard and their experiences are acknowledged. The Dalit literary movement has grown from its early days in the 20th century to become an important and recognized genre in Indian literature today.

According to a 2018 report by the National Crime Records Bureau, crimes against Dalits in India have been on the rise, with a 7% increase in incidents of violence against Dalits in 2016 compared to the previous year. Additionally, the report states that the rate of conviction for crimes committed against Dalits is low, with only 26.4% of cases resulting in conviction; Source: Sabrang India