What is meant by Dalit literature?
ABSTRACT Indian Dalit literature, which can be traced back to a corpus of writings from Maharashtra in the 1960s, refers to literature of the oppressed, usually associated with a diverse group of people historically considered the lowest among the Indian population and known as “untouchables.” While Dalit literature …
What is the meaning of casteless?
1 : not divided into rigid social classes there is no leisure class in that casteless country. 2 India : outside the caste system and thus having no place or status in society the foreigner was a casteless person.
Why does India have a caste system?
Travelers to India have commented on caste for more than two thousand years. In Indian society the group comes first, unlike our own society that gives so much importance to the individual personality. After a person’s family, the caste commands an individual’s major loyalty.
What is Dalit called in English?
Dalit (from Sanskrit: दलित, romanized: dalita meaning “broken/scattered”, Hindi: दलित, romanized: dalit, same meaning) is a name for people belonging to the lowest caste in India, previously characterised as “untouchable”.
What is the purpose of Dalit Literature?
Dalit literature is the representation of Dalit reality. Through this representation, the untouchables articulate loudly across the caste-ridden society and destroy the boasted purity of upper-class. The primary aim of Dalit Literature is the liberation of Dalits.
Is India the only country with a caste system?
In India, as well as other countries in South Asia like Nepal and Sri Lanka, the caste system has been a large part of society and still remains, though to a lesser extent, to be a part of society.
Who are Dalits 6?
Dalits are formerly known as untouchable – a person outside of the four Varnas, and considered below of all and polluting. Dalits include people as leather-workers, scavengers, tanners, flayers, cobblers, agricultural labourers, municipal cleaners and drum beaters. They are also known as broken people.
