SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH LITERATURE

Abstract

As an arm of Dalit politics in India, Dalit literature becomes an effective tool to express the protest and anguish of Dalits against the domination of the Caste Hindus. Dalit literature as a genre was established in the 1960s and 1970s when a flurry of Dalit writing was published in Marathi and Gujarati. Nearly two decades later, Tamil Dalit writing marked its identity in the literary map of Tamil Nadu. Some of these works have been translated into English and have been included in the literary studies curriculum. While the universities provide an institutional space for Dalit literature, a lot depends on how these literary works have been received by students. It is essential to enquire whether Dalit literature included in the literary studies curriculum has functioned as a social and political force. Through a qualitative study undertaken with 63 students of literary studies, this essay examines the impact of Dalit literature on student community. It also explores the students’ understanding and interpretation of the terms ‘Dalit’ and ‘Dalit literature’.