Reclaiming humanity: Dalit identity and resistance in Bama’s literary vision

Abstract

Although the practice of untouchability was constitutionally abolished and deemed illegal in India in 1950, Dalits continue to endure pervasive social and economic exclusion and discrimination. Dalit literature serves as a powerful medium, reflecting the authentic contours of feelings, thoughts, actions, and societal assumptions—both conscious and unconscious. In post-independence India, Dalit literature has emerged as one of the most significant literary movements, innovatively addressing the evolving identity crises that often elude precise articulation in conventional terms. This study examines the transitional ideas and perspectives articulated by Bama, focusing on her efforts to establish Dalit identity as fundamentally human identity. The analysis highlights the challenges and solutions presented in her works. The author emphasizes the necessity of creative intervention to amplify the capacity for transformation. Such interventions catalyze a paradigm shift from silent passivity to active resistance among Dalits, fostering their progression towards enhanced social status, privilege, and recognition.