Dialogue: A Journal Devoted to Literary Appreciation

Mapping the Advance of Dalit Literature: An Outline

Dr. Shweta Mishra — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Dalit Literature is an ever-burgeoning branch of literary aesthetics.
Dalit writers realised that their experiences are extremely painful and
there is a stark distinction between their perception of life and its events,
and the perception of the hegemonic groups, and so the mainstream
literature can in no way match their experiential journey of trauma,
psychological setbacks, poor self-esteem, self-doubt, self-hate and selfnegation.
It has taken several years for them to realise, stand and fight
against the unfair treatment and injustices. Thus, no canonical space can
adjust to their literary theme, pattern, language, structure, soul and
melody. Theirs is a unique work of art and should have different
aesthetic standards to calibre and to present a critique about it.

Listening to the Unheard Voices: Appreciating Indian Dalit Narratives

Mahesh Kumar Dey — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

This research paper is about the Dalit narratives produced by
Indian Dalit authors in different regional languages and translated into
English. The paper tries to analyze the concepts of “Dalit
Consciousness” and “Dalit Identity” with reference to the selected
narratives. The individual identity of the narrator merges with that of the
respective Dalit community and retells the truthful account of the
people and their communities. Some writers include B. R. Ambedkar,
Mahatma Jotirao Phule, Periyar, Bama, Sharankumar Limbale, Urmila
Pawar, Baby Kamble and Arjun Dangle.

Reading Dalit Life-Narrative in the Aftermath of Literary Theory

Prof. Alok Kumar — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Over the last four decades, Dalit writing (literature of the suppressed,
and formerly untouchable sections of Indian society) has emerged as an
important constituent of Indian Writing in English as well as of Indian
writing in English translation, and it has attracted a lot of well-deserved
critical attention. This paper proposes to interrogate the strategies and
approaches used for analysing Dalit writing, especially Dalit lifenarratives.
In the wake of literary theory, the study and evaluation of
autobiographical narratives has been deeply problematised, and a
humanistic approach may not be able to do justice to the complexities of
Dalit life-narratives and its allied forms like Black- American, or slave
life-narratives.

Inter dependence between Dalit Aesthetics and Dalit Autobiographies for Social Transformation

Prof. Harbir Singh Randhawa — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Dalit aesthetics and Dalit literature are deeply interconnected, each influencing and
shaping the other in profound ways. Understanding their interdependence requires a
look into both concepts and their socio-cultural and historical contexts. The
interdependence between Dalit aesthetics and Dalit literature is evident in the way they
mutually inform and sustain each other. Dalit aesthetics provide the framework and
principles that guide the creation and interpretation of Dalit literature, ensuring it
remains true to the lived experiences and aspirations of the Dalit community. In turn,
Dalit literature embodies and perpetuates these aesthetics, creating a powerful
medium for expression, resistance, and social change. This aspect gets exemplified
through first Gujarati Dalit autobiography B. Kesharshivam's The Whole Truth and
Nothing but the Truth and the first autobiography by a Dalit woman - Baby Kamble's
The Prisons We Broke. The first one begins with the description of the life of the
narrator as a child. He plays in the dust of the bone meal factory, where he later works,
going on to labour with his parents in the 'cotter mill', the book presents a nonsentimental
account of a childhood where friendships exist, sometimes across castes,
and discrimination and abuse are constants. The second one sketches the portrait of the
actual life of the Mahars from the woman's keen eyes. She reveals the suffered
indignities while highlighting the internal trauma being faced by her people on the
threshold of a fundamental transformation.

The Poetical and Political Dimensions of the 'Woman Question' in Dalit Narratives

Dr. Bhavin Purohit — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The Dalit perspective offers a comprehensive understanding of "the woman
question" during colonial and postcolonial times, focusing on Dalit women.
Before the rise of mainstream feminism in India, the discourse on women's issues
emerged within caste discussions in the late 19th century. Early reforms targeting
upper-caste women were based on lower-caste models but were hindered by
upper-caste fears of losing caste status and power. Dalit women's issues were
highlighted by movements like Jotiba Phule's Satyashodhak Sabha and
Ambedkarite movements, intertwining women's rights with political rights for
Dalits. Influential figures such as Pandita Ramabai, Savitribai Phule, Muktabai
Salve, and Tarabai Shinde played crucial roles in advocating for women's
education, challenging Brahmanical patriarchy, and criticizing gender
inequalities. The Ambedkarite movement further radicalized Dalit women,
emphasizing the intersection of caste and gender oppression and encouraging the
creation of new public spaces for Dalit women. Dalit women's autobiographical
narratives, emerging from the Ambedkarite movement, reflect their double
marginalization and offer a distinct voice within Indian feminist literature,
highlighting both individual and collective struggles for dignity and identity.

Dalit Womanism in Contemporary Indian English Literature

Dr. Pankaj Bala Srivastava — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Dalits in Indian society have long endured systemic caste-based exclusion
from economic, civil, cultural, and political rights. Dalit women face even
greater hardships as they experience the compounded discrimination of both
gender and caste, leading to severe economic deprivation. They are often
worse off than both Dalit men and non-Dalit women. The plight of Dalit
women is uniquely severe, as they bear the 'triple burden' of gender bias,
caste discrimination, and economic hardship. The anguish, frustration, and
suffering of Dalit women occupy a distinctive and profound space in Indian
English literature. This paper primarily examines significant works of
contemporary Indian English literature that embody Dalit Womanism,
analyzing how these texts depict the intersectional struggles of Dalit women
and their quest for dignity and justice. The study aims to illuminate Dalit
Womanism's contributions to literary studies and social justice movements
by focusing on themes such as identity, resistance, empowerment, and
cultural reclamation. Through a detailed literary analysis, the paper seeks to
underscore the importance of including Dalit Womanist perspectives in the
broader conversation about gender and caste in India, ultimately advocating
for a more inclusive and equitable representation in literature and beyond.

Subverting the Stereotypes: The Short Stories of Ratan Kumar Sambhariya

Dr. H. S. Chandalia, Govind Kumar Meghwal — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

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.

Telugu Dalit Women's Poetry: An Over View

Prof. T. Sai Chandra Mouli — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Dalit women face discrimination on multiple fronts like African
American women and Aboriginals in Australia. They have to keep
shifting from one position to another constantly. They are viewed as
morally fragile, unreliable and treated as commodities always. Several
instances of atrocities perpetuated by landlords and the wealthy sections
in society have galvanised all Dalits into a strong vocal group that fears
not to express anger, frustration and desire to retaliate whenever their
patience is tested to the extreme. The Dalit women poets chose their own
language and idiom. Their poetic journey from turning to God for
support to declaring their identity and aspirations vociferously marks a
remarkable trajectory. Poetry written by Dalit women in Telugu is
vibrant, specific and relevant. Many new voices are heard depicting the
deplorable conditions in which they live, demanding redress of their
grievances.

Uchalya and Ooru Keri: Narratives of Dalit Resilience and Resistance

Ashok Kumar Tanan, Dr. Sanju Chaudhary — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

This paper explores the themes of resilience and resistance in Dalit
autobiographical literature through an analysis of Dr. Siddalingaiah's
Ooru Keri and Laxman Gaikwad's Uchalya. These autobiographies
vividly depict the challenges faced by Dalit communities in India,
including caste-based discrimination, economic exploitation, and social
marginalization. Siddalingaiah's narrative traces his childhood in a
Karnataka village, highlighting his journey of education and activism
amidst societal prejudices. In contrast, Gaikwad's autobiography delves
into the harsh realities of the Uchalya community in Maharashtra,
exposing systemic oppression and advocating for social justice. Both
narratives serve as powerful critiques of entrenched hierarchies and
offer poignant reflections on the quest for dignity and equality. Through
their autobiographies, Siddalingaiah and Gaikwad reclaim Dalit
narratives, challenge dominant societal norms, and inspire movements
for change.

Dalit Consciousness in the Poetry of Namdeo Dhasal and Shyamal Kumar Pramanik

Sudhir K. Arora — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

In this paper, the two dalit voices—Namdeo Dhasal and Shyamal
Kumar Pramanik have been taken in order to reveal how they have
voiced dalits who have been marginalized, exploited and oppressed for
generations. Both of them have attempted to raise the dalit conscience
so that dalits may walk with their heads up while recognizing their true
value and identity. The choice is somewhat unusual as Namdeo Dhasal
is a Marathi poet while Shyamal Kumar Pramanik is a Bengali poet.
Namdeo Dhasal needs no introduction. He is a big name in the world of
literature while Pramanik is moving ahead on this path with the
intention of creating a space in Indian literature. More or less, both of
them have suffered much because of being dalits. What makes them one
is that both of them have given voice to their lived experiences of pain
and suffering.

Reservation and Dalit Literature

Dr. Anita Singh — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Since time immemorial, a human being, hailing from the most intelligent species of universe
developed a tendency to enjoy certain privilege and prominence not only over animals to
coerce them into his permanent service but also on average humans whose limited
intelligence or awareness served him an opportunity to take undue advantage of their
ignorance. This ignorance on part or victim and cruelty, callousness on part of the offender
widened the ditch between humans on economic, social, gender, religion and caste lines
where superiors left no stone unturned to maintain their authority denying perks and
privilege to lesser intelligent breeds.
India was a perfectly balanced country in the past with division of labor to signify skills and
talent. She made an arrangement wherein a scholar who devotes himself to education or
service of brahm for welfare of mankind became a Brahmin and was revered from rest of
classes, the reserved position accorded them influence and a human, having evil in the
constitution cashed it on less privileged. How this reservation sowed the seed of dissent will
be unfurled with the progression of paper.
The major focus here is to “bring to light the voice of an empowered and embittered writer in
Prakash valmiki ... he represents Dalit literature as a gizmo to carry out his anguish as a
communal trauma of his community” (Revathi and Bindu 1). In his quest of representation
from repression, Valmiki narrates unpleasant tales related to his community and also inspires
young generations how to improve his lot and wriggle out of caste constraints with western
education and white collar job.

From Shame to Pride: A Critique on Tamil Dalit Poetry

Dr. K. S. Anish Kumar — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Dalit literature articulates the suffering of the people who are socially
conditioned by the oppressive structures that keep them under their
surveillance. It emerges as the voice of the silenced and socially
excluded and in fact it evolves as a counter narrative to the dominant
discourses that occupy the centre. Dalit poetry is essentially poetry of
resistance that protest subjugation and oppression and Tamil dalit
poetry is not an exemption to this standpoint. In Tamil dalit poetry one
can easily trace the influence of Ayotidasa Pandithar, Ambedkar, Periyar
and Marx. Dalit poetry rejects social hierarchy that imposes the code of
conduct advocated by Manu. It tries to address not only the pathetic
plight of dalits but also envisage a promising future. The major
objective of this article is to situate Tamil dalit poetry in the broad
spectrum of Indian literature by recording its history and its
significance. It examines how dalit poetry emerges as protest poetry by
accommodating dalit feminism and also revolts against injustice and
caste discriminative practices in order to create a viable space.

An Insight to Dalit Literature with Reference to Yvonne Vera's Without a Name

Dr. Jaya Chetnani — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The paper makes an attempt to make a comparative study of Dalit
Literature with reference to Yvonne Vera's writing. Women have always
been struggling for their true position in society. 'Women' is a general
term that is not restricted to any boundaries. But unfortunately most of
the women are facing common problems in this world. Boundaries fail
to define the roles of women. Their sufferings, problems and struggles
are the same. The paper tries to make an attempt to study the features of
Dalit literature in comparison to the works of African women writer
Yvonne Vera. Yvonne Vera is an award winning writer from Zimbabwe.
Her writings focus on the issues of women in African society.

Reading 'Protest' and the Quest for 'Self-Dignity' in the Poetry of Womanist Kalyani Thakur Charal

Dr. Shubha Dwivedi — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The many voices of women writers today have given us the hope for an
equitable representation of women from heterogeneous backgrounds.In
the Indian context, the interplay of gender and caste consistently plays a
crucial role in shaping an individual's self-perceptions and guiding their
aspirations and life choices.Needless to iterate that caste and gender
based stratifications have not only prevented women of marginalized
communities historically from accessing education,medical
care,careers, and seeking independent existence,but have also stripped
them of their self-respect and self worth.The present paper aims to bring
a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of gender and caste based
inequalities and acts of violence endured by Dalit women in India on an
everyday basis, culminating in their objectification and victimization,
with reference to womanist poet, Kalyani Thakur Charal's poetic
assertions.

Portrayal of Dalits in Indian Cinema: A Critique of Two Tamil Films

Yatendra Kumar Nigam, Sanjay Kumar Misra — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The portrayal of Dalits, falls in two divergent streams in the Indian film industry,
namely, the Gandhian and the Ambedkarite. The Gandhian approach patronises,
marginalises and appropriates the Dalit history and imagination and tries to
maintain the status quo, moulding Dalits into Harijans. On the other hand, the
Ambedkarites are against this appropriation. The Ambedkarite approach
challenges the established aesthetic norms and portrays Dalits in flesh and blood
and not as type characters. Dalit cinema democratises the screen space and
challenge the hegemonic structure of collective imagination of people in the
society. Dalit identity has been portrayed differently by Dalit filmmakers. The
commercial success of Tamil films with Dalits in lead roles like Kabali (2016)
Pariyerum Perumal (2018), Asuran, (2019), Sarpatta Parambarai (2021),
Karnan (2021), and Jai Bhim (2021) is a new phenomenon. This paper aims to
study this new phenomenon of contestation of Dalit identity and their
commercial success. The present paper is attempting a critique of the portrayal of
Dalit identity in Indian cinema with specific focus on two Tamil films
Manusangda and Jai Bheem which released in 2017 and 2021 respectively.

Book Reviews

. . — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200