Chapparby Jai Prakash Kardam: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

The paper intends to deal with the plight of Dalits and their miserable condition in Jai Prakash Kardam's Hindi novel Chappar first published in 1994. The book highlights the social disparity and discrimination faced by Dalits, whether rural or urban. The still existing feudalism in Indian villages compels Dalits to abide by social norms framed in the interest of the landlords, Brahmins or the dominants. The entrenched caste system deprives Dalits to access educational institutes. They are denied even to touch scriptures as they have been reserved for upper castes only. The novel also exposes the cruel treatment of powerful, bureaucrats, policemen and politicians toward Dalits. The Ambedkarite ideology ignites the radical minds of Dalit youths in setting out a movement of liberation and emancipation which is the base of the book. 'Dalit women', the phrase narrates endless horrible incidents in the lives of Dalit women as they are raped, gang-raped, harassed, humiliated, abandoned or even forced to commit suicide or live a life of curse in their own land. The author has raised all these serious issues confronted by Dalits in a small village setting along with various other social problems in urban areas. The present paper attempts to explore the horrible narratives, incidents and challenges through the extensive reading of the characters and their actions. How they achieve their target of egalitarian society? Who and what are the forces behind the struggle against the dominants besides the community? Do the Dalit women accept their fate of curse passively or dare to challenge the self-proclaimed authorities?