'Untouchable'

Introduction

Mulk Raj Anand (1905–2004) was a prominent Indian writer known for his influential contributions to Indian literature in English. Born in Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan), Anand grew up in Punjab and later moved to England to pursue higher education. He attended universities in London and Cambridge, where he studied philosophy and earned a PhD.

Anand's literary career spanned several decades and encompassed a wide range of genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and autobiographical works. He is best known for his novels, which often depicted the lives of ordinary people in India, particularly those from marginalized and oppressed communities. Anand was deeply committed to social justice and used his writing as a tool for advocating for the rights of the downtrodden and the oppressed.

One of Anand's most celebrated works is his debut novel, "Untouchable" (1935), which explores the experiences of a young Dalit (formerly known as "untouchable") named Bakha. Through Bakha's story, Anand sheds light on the pervasive caste-based discrimination and social inequalities prevalent in Indian society. The novel is widely regarded as a pioneering work of Indian literature in English and remains a seminal text in the study of caste and social injustice.

Anand's other notable works include "Coolie" (1936), "The Village" (1939), and "Across the Black Waters" (1940), among others. His writing often addressed pressing social issues such as poverty, oppression, and colonialism, drawing inspiration from his own experiences and observations of Indian society.

Throughout his career, Anand received numerous accolades and awards for his literary achievements, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors. He also played an active role in various social and political movements, advocating for the rights of workers, peasants, and marginalized communities.

"Untouchable" is a seminal novel by Mulk Raj Anand, first published in 1935. It stands as a powerful exploration of caste-based discrimination and social injustice in pre-independence India. Anand's novel shines a harsh light on the plight of the "untouchables," the lowest caste in the traditional Hindu social hierarchy, who were subjected to systemic oppression and dehumanization.

Set over the course of a single day in the life of its protagonist, Bakha, "Untouchable" offers a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by those relegated to the lowest rungs of society. Bakha, a young man from the Dalit community, grapples with the indignities and humiliations inflicted upon him solely because of his caste. From the menial tasks he is forced to perform to the scorn and discrimination he encounters from those in higher castes, Bakha's experiences serve as a microcosm of the pervasive social injustices that permeate Indian society.

Anand's narrative style is characterized by its simplicity, directness, and unvarnished honesty. Through vivid descriptions and powerful imagery, he invites readers to empathize with Bakha's struggles and to confront the harsh realities of caste-based oppression. The novel also addresses broader themes such as identity, dignity, and the quest for social justice, resonating with readers far beyond its original historical context.

"Untouchable" is widely regarded as a pioneering work of Indian literature in English and remains a landmark text in the study of caste and social inequality. It not only exposed the injustices faced by marginalized communities but also sparked important conversations about caste reform and social change in India. Anand's novel continues to be celebrated for its courage, compassion, and enduring relevance, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Indian society and the ongoing struggle for equality and dignity.

The plot of "Untouchable" revolves around the experiences of Bakha, a young man from the Dalit community, also known as the untouchables, who are at the lowest rung of the caste system in India. The novel unfolds over the course of a single day in Bakha's life, offering a glimpse into the daily struggles and indignities he faces due to his caste identity.

The story begins with Bakha's morning routine of cleaning latrines, a task assigned to him solely because of his caste. As he goes about his duties, Bakha encounters various characters from different castes, each interaction highlighting the deep-rooted prejudices and inequalities that pervade Indian society.

Throughout the day, Bakha grapples with feelings of shame and humiliation, compounded by the disdain and discrimination he faces from those in higher castes. Despite his longing for acceptance and dignity, Bakha is constantly reminded of his lowly status and the limitations imposed upon him by the caste system.

As the day progresses, Bakha's experiences lead him to question the injustices of the caste system and to contemplate his own identity and place in society. He dreams of breaking free from the confines of his caste and pursuing a better life through education and self-improvement.

However, Bakha's aspirations are met with resistance and hostility from those who seek to maintain the status quo. In a moment of defiance, Bakha lashes out against a higher-caste man who insults him, sparking a confrontation that threatens to escalate tensions between the castes.

As the day comes to a close, Bakha returns home, reflecting on the challenges he faces and the injustices he endures as an untouchable in Indian society. Despite the hardships he encounters, Bakha remains determined to assert his humanity and strive for a better future, embodying the resilience and hope of those who resist oppression.

In the end, "Untouchable" serves as a powerful indictment of the caste system and its devastating impact on individual lives, while also highlighting the resilience and dignity of those who dare to challenge the social order and envision a more just and equitable society.

Thematic Study:

Lower Caste Humiliation The story initiated with morning scavenging; father Lakha forced his son Bakha to work as a scavenger. He met with an athlete Havildar Charat Singh, an autocratic or high-class person, and conversed with him. Charat Singh promised to give him a hockey stick, a "brand new stick." When Bakha retired home, he felt thirsty; the house did not have water to drink; thus, his sister Sohini going to get water for his brother from the well and wait in the queue in the corner as she was achoot and did not have a right to drain water from the well. He met Priest Kalinath and said to her he helped her get water against a favor that she had to come next morning for the temple's clearance. Bakha went again for his swapping work; the Bakha felt hungry, so he went to a shop and bought something to eat where unintentionally he touched the upper caste boy. Subsequently, he bangs with Upper Caste Boy. At that time, a Musmil business came and saved him from thrashing because they did not follow any demarcated caste system in Islamic tradition. While wandering all over in the town, he went to the house where he lay in front of the home, and then the lady came and humiliated him why he slept in front of her door. Simultaneously a wandering saint came, and the lady offered him food unconditionally; at the same time, a lady offered him food to clean the baranda of her house. An inhumane incident took place there too with Lakha, and he left. Bakha went to Charat Singh, a man who gifted brand new hockey, a generous man who did not follow the evil practice of casteism with Lakha. After taking hockey, he went to play a hockey match where again he faced humility when he goaled against upper-class boy fights during a hockey match. During a game, a boy is injured, and Bakha shows her generous concern with that injured boy and helps him. Bakha Carries him to his home, where humiliation is waiting for him in the character of an injured boy who scolds him for the sake of help.

1. Caste and Social Hierarchy:
   An overarching theme in "Untouchable" is the rigid caste system that stratifies Indian society. Anand vividly depicts the hierarchical structure of caste, with the untouchables occupying the lowest rung. The novel exposes the dehumanizing effects of caste-based discrimination, as Bakha and others like him are subjected to various forms of oppression and prejudice solely because of their caste identity.

2. Identity and Self-Worth:
   Bakha's journey in the novel is marked by his struggle to assert his identity and reclaim his dignity in the face of societal oppression. He grapples with feelings of shame and inferiority imposed upon him by the caste system, yet he also yearns for acceptance and recognition as a human being deserving of respect. Anand highlights the profound psychological toll of caste-based discrimination on individual self-worth and agency.

3. Social Injustice and Exploitation:
   Through Bakha's experiences as a manual scavenger and his interactions with individuals from higher castes, Anand exposes the deep-rooted injustices and inequalities perpetuated by the caste system. The novel illustrates how those in positions of power exploit and marginalize the untouchables, relegating them to the most menial and degrading tasks while denying them basic human rights and dignity.

4. Resistance and Liberation:
   Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Bakha exhibits moments of defiance and resistance against the oppressive forces of caste. His aspirations for education and self-improvement, as well as his acts of rebellion against unjust treatment, symbolize a quest for liberation and social change. Anand portrays Bakha as a symbol of resilience and hope, challenging readers to confront the injustices of the caste system and envision a more equitable society.

5. Empathy and Solidarity:
   "Untouchable" underscores the importance of empathy and solidarity in combating social injustice and fostering meaningful change. Through Bakha's interactions with individuals from different castes and backgrounds, Anand highlights the potential for human connection and compassion to transcend barriers of caste and class. The novel advocates for a collective struggle against oppression, emphasizing the need for unity and empathy in the fight for social justice.

 Double Standard of Upper Caste

Mulk Raj explores all the hypocrisy and double-minded ideology of the upper-class people. The way the upper class treated lower or untouchable people is distinctly and unambiguously. The injustice, humiliation, oppression felt by the whole community of the low or outcastes. Double peaking characters like the lady who cleaned the baranda, the Priest Kali Nath, and many more double-faced people are prevalent in society who pretend hypocritically in front of the community. One incident is portrayed by the Anand in which the Sohini, a younger sister of Bakha, went to well to drain water; unfortunately, because she is Dalit or achuut, she is not permitted to drain water herself. Priest Kali Nath came and offered her water against work. She agreed as she needs drinking water frequently because her brother Bakha waited for her thirst. Very next morning, Sohini went to the temple to clean the temple where the priest tried to molest her dignity when she became loud and noisy, and the pilgrimage gathered. The priest's insincerity turned wretched and blamed Sohini that she tried to misbehave with him and wanted to make him "Dooshit." 

Conclusion

"Untouchable" by Mulk Raj Anand offers a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the struggles faced by Bakha, a young Dalit man, in the oppressive caste system of pre-independence India. Through Bakha's experiences, the novel exposes the dehumanizing effects of caste-based discrimination and social inequality, while also highlighting themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for social justice.

As Bakha navigates the challenges of his daily life, he confronts the pervasive prejudices and injustices that define his existence as an untouchable. Despite the obstacles he faces, Bakha exhibits moments of defiance and resistance, symbolizing the enduring spirit of those who refuse to accept their marginalized status.

Through Bakha's journey, "Untouchable" serves as a powerful indictment of the caste system and its corrosive impact on individual dignity and human rights. It calls attention to the urgent need for social reform and collective action to dismantle caste-based discrimination and create a more equitable society.

Ultimately, "Untouchable" stands as a timeless and resonant work of literature that continues to provoke thought and inspire dialogue about the ongoing struggle for equality and dignity in India and beyond. It challenges readers to confront the injustices of the past and present, while also offering a vision of hope for a future where all individuals are treated with respect, regardless of their caste or social status.