LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 26:3 March 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Selvi M. Bunce, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
         Nathan Mulder Bunce, M.A., Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

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Resistance and Redefining 'Chandal' Identity in Interrogating My Chandal Life

Mr.Ch.Maheswara Rao and
Dr.M.Koteswar Rao

Abstract

Freedom to participate in social and cultural discourse in daily life is crucial for the realization of the country as a real and independent entity. The quotidian nature of nationalism must be interactive rather than revered as an abstract concept attainable through perseverance and sacrifice. A considerable portion of civil society in India intentionally refrains from interacting with the untouchables or executing measures to improve the severe circumstances of Dalits. The upper-caste imposition of a social boycott against the untouchables reflects this anti-national and illiberal tendency. Through this article, the researcher discusses the role of education as an emancipatory instrument for Dalits through a critical examination of Manoranjan Byapari's autobiographical account. It also demonstrates the pursuit of knowledge functions not only as an engine for financial advancement but, more importantly, as a profound act of defiance against historically entrenched oppression and epistemic injustice.

Keywords: Dalit literature, Education, Caste hierarchy, Social mobility, Freedom, Epistemic injustice.

Introduction

In the contemporary era, the concept of human rights protection has been a topic of critical discourse among social scientists, scholars, philosophers, public intellectuals, and statesmen globally. The increasing significance of rights-based discourse has compelled scholars and politicians to reevaluate the power dynamics, exclusionary behaviours, and disparities that affect individuals and communities. Within this wider context, Dalit literature has taken on a crucial function as an instrument for the articulation, contestation, and reimagining of issues related to dignity, justice, and acknowledgement. In India's intricate socioeconomic and historical context, the Dalit population has suffered decades of persistent discrimination entrenched in the unchanging community classifications, where their experiences were often marginalized by societal and spiritual constraints that classified them as the underprivileged (Ramteke 1823).

From a human justice perspective, literary depictions of marginalized, impoverished, victimized, and underprivileged communities gain distinct importance. These works not only record suffering but also expose the structural and institutionalized character of discrimination, thereby contesting prevailing narratives that normalize the experiences of the oppressed. In India, writings by Dalit authors have arisen as a significant and essential body of literary works that highlight caste-based oppression, abuse, economic exploitation, and social exclusion. In the last few decades, a wide range of Dalit literature has been produced on the Indian literary platform with great energy. The works include poetry, novels, short tales, biographies, memoirs and autobiographies. These works have all tried to change and challenge the historically unfavourable images and deep-seated biases that have long affected Dalit life and culture. Contemporary Dalit writers have transformed literary expression into a vital tool for cultural reclamation and social assertion.

Dalit authors have used these different genres to look at, reinterpret, and honour the inherent value and ethical behaviour of Dalit culture, which has often been misunderstood or ignored by mainstream upper-caste writers. Dalit literature emphasizes ethical qualities, communal solidarity, and work ethics by offering an authentic counter-narrative to centuries of cultural denigration. Prashant Ingole discusses in his article that Dalit literature changes beauty and storytelling rules and gives a voice to those excluded from India's literary mainstream. Dalit authors have used these different genres to look at, reinterpret, and honour the inherent value and ethical behaviour of Dalit culture, which has often been misunderstood or ignored by stories from higher castes (Ingole 91).

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Mr.Ch.MaheswaraRao
Research Scholar(Ph.D),
Krishna University,Machilipatnam.A.P
Asst.Prof.of English,
Vishnu Institute of Technology, A.P,
Email: maheshkeats@gmail.com
&
Dr.M.Koteswar Rao
M.A., M. Phil., Ph.D. M. Sc., (Psychology), PGDGC.
Associate Prof.of English, Krishna University, Machilipatnam
Andhra Pradesh

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