The contemplation of barbarism of the Hindu society on Untouchables: Re-evaluation of Anand’s debut novel Untouchable

The paper aims at re-evaluating Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable to investigate the different angles of marginalization in Indian society. The problem of untouchability is still pervading in the society and the writer through his novel Untouchable has divulged the torments and sufferings of untouchables shoved by upper caste Hindus on them. The novel sketches the poignant and miserable condition of the Dalit sweeper, Bhaka. He and his sister Sohini, being untouchables, are humiliated and ill-treated by the so called superior castes. There are many happenings in the novel that expose the stark and naked realities of the society. The novel calls for justice and compassion by presenting the barbarities meted by untouchables. Through the delineation of the character Bakha, Anand has attempted to accentuate every big and minor detail to reveal the urges, needs and dreams of the poor and pitiful untouchables, their savage treatment and exploitation in the dominated society. Anand unveils the inhumane and inequitable authority of Hindus over the poor underdogs. The focal point of this paper is the problems and caste exploitation of the protagonist Bhakha in Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable. The novel is undeniably a mournful cry of the miserable conditions of the so called low caste and class people during colonial rule. The novel is also a serious allegation on the savagery and mendacity of the so called Hindu traditions that dehumanizes and oppresses a large section of its own people. Anand proposes a few solutions to the problem of untouchability in the denouement of the novel. This Paper will assess those solutions and make an effort to find out some practicable resolution to the same