Subverting the Stereotypes: The Short Stories of Ratan Kumar Sambhariya

Abstract

Dalit literature is a genre which focuses on the depiction of the reality of
existence as Dalits in Indian society. Simultaneously it points out those
conditions which are responsible for their suffering. In literature composed
by Dalits and others who identify with them the stereotypes created by
others are used. Dalits are shown as a class of victims. They consider their
existential problems as their fate and take them for granted. The paper
discusses the short stories of a living Dalit author Ratan Kumar Sambharia
who creates such characters that subvert the image of Dalits as ones who
accept subjugation. His characters rebel against the status quo and challenge
the system which allows such injustices to be inflicted upon them.
Sambharia's world is a world full of optimism and hope. Though his
characters also suffer at the hands of dominant groups which have a
command over the system of governance, there are characters which revolt
and find means and ways to punish people responsible for the excesses . The
paper also makes use of the concept of the subaltern and tries to apply the
theoretical premises to Dalits in Indian society.