Dalit literature

Dalit literature refers to literary works written by people from Dalit communities in India. The term “Dalit” refers to people who are traditionally considered to be at the bottom of India’s caste system, and who face social, economic, and political discrimination and marginalization. Dalit literature emerged in the mid-20th century as a form of resistance against the dominant literary culture that had excluded Dalit voices and experiences.

Dalit literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including novels, poetry, essays, memoirs, and plays. It often draws on personal experiences of caste-based discrimination and oppression, and seeks to challenge dominant narratives and stereotypes about Dalits in Indian society.

Some of the prominent writers and poets of Dalit literature include B.R. Ambedkar, who is considered the father of the Dalit movement, and who wrote extensively on caste and its impact on society; Mahatma Phule, who wrote poetry and essays that exposed the injustices of the caste system; and Sharankumar Limbale, who is known for his autobiographical novel “Akarmashi”, which deals with issues of caste, identity, and oppression.

Dalit literature has been instrumental in creating awareness about the lived experiences of Dalits in India, and in challenging the dominant caste-based narratives that have long dominated Indian literature. It has also played a key role in the Dalit rights movement, providing a platform for Dalit voices and promoting social justice and equality.

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