From Subjugation to Silence: Exploring Dalit Voices in Selected Indian Short Stories

Dalit writers of the first generation primarily depicted sufferings at the hands of the upper castes in their writings, primarily evoking pity from the readers. However, the next generation of Dalit writers wrote in provocative style, demanding for equality and social justice. Writers like Namdeo Dhasal even used abusive language to express anger; thus, later writers used literature as a tool to fight social injustice. The present paper examines how Dalit writers portrayed the material and psychological struggles of Dalit across urban slums, rural areas, and the emerging middle class. These stories highlight various themes such as poverty, identity crisis, gender discrimination and the aspiration for equality and dignity. The present-day Dalit writers are bold enough to criticize fellow Dalits for their prudishness. Thus, the paper explores diverse perspectives within Dalit literature.