SUBJUGATION AND OPPRESSION IN SELECT NOVELS OF BAMA

Abstract :

The caste system in India has been a source of social evils such as slavery and racism, with untouchability, purity, and pollution affecting the lives of the disempowered. Dalit literatures highlight the social, religious, and caste oppression faced by Dalits, who struggle to survive and exist. Untouchability is a result of the Varna Vyavastha, a socio-religious slavery forced on Dalits by Hindu casteists. Dalits are considered the sons of Indian soil and are considered the salt and savour of the traditional land. Untouchability has been a peculiar institution in India throughout history, with Dalits being the sons of Indian soil and considered the salt and savour of the traditional land. Dalit writers are seeking answers to their questions about their identity, their forefathers, and the reasons behind their rejection. Dalit literature has been shaped by Dr. Baba Sahib Ambedkar, who inspired Dalit writers to seek answers to their questions and redefine their conditions. Through their writings, Dalit writers aim to weed out the weeds that are rampant in India. Dalit literature in India, inspired by Afro-American writers and Dr. Ambedkar's works, aims to challenge social prejudice and caste practices. Women, particularly Dalit women, face sexism and exploitation from upper caste men. The feminist movement has reshaped the concept of women's identity, but Asian women focus on cultural norms and traditions rather than liberal or radical feminism. Marginalization in India began during British colonial times, with tribes ruling their ancestral land and being notified as criminals. Dalit women are often treated as non-entities and face discrimination and abuse. Bama, a Dalit women writer, delves into the effects of discrimination and poverty faced by Dalits. Her works, including Karukku, Sangati, Vanmam, and Kusumbukaran, have been translated into English and other languages. The ten-year anniversary of Karukku's publication in 2014 in Chennai marked a significant milestone in Dalit intellectual and activist spheres, with Bama expressing her admiration for Dr. Ambedkar's centenary and the importance of Dalit literature in addressing these issues.