Mulk Raj Anand's "Untouchable": Realistic Portrayals of the Poor Dalits and Plights of Untouchability in Preindependent India

 “Untouchable could only have been written by an Indian who observed from the outside. No European, however sympathetic, could have created the character of Bakha, because he would not have known enough about his troubles. And no untouchable could have written the book, because he would have been involved in indignation and self-pity. Mr Anand stands in the ideal position, by caste… a Kshatriya… he has just the right the mixture of insight and detachment.”

Preface to Mulk Raj Anand's novel "Untouchable" 

E M Forster

Introduction: Untouchability and Its Answer

Mulk Raj Anand's  (1905 –2004) novel "Untouchable" published in 1935 stands as a significant work of Indian literature for its realistic portrayal of the marginalized and oppressed sections of society. With a keen eye for details and an empathetic understanding of the human condition, Anand, even being an upper caste Kshatriya, paints a vivid picture of the life of the untouchables , the dalits in pre independent India. We will critically examine Anand's realistic portrayals of the poor and untouchables in "Untouchable" and highlight the novel's profound impact on challenging caste culture and stimulating social consciousness. We will, however, need M. K. Gandhi,  B. R. Ambedkar as a literary canon to understand his work. As Nandini Bhattacharya in her editorial of Pearson edition 2007 cross-examined the historical and political commentary on the theme of untouchability, like She we will question the key pertinent issues:

1. How was the concept of nation imagined during the pre-independence era, considering the prevalence of social injustice and untouchability?
2. Whose aspirations drove the vision of a new India and the struggle against British rule?
3. In what way can the British be held accountable for their discriminatory treatment based on race, considering that Indian society has historically carried the burden of untouchability?

Both Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar made significant contributions in the fight against untouchability and the upliftment of Dalits in India. Gandhi, through his advocacy for abolition and social reforms, emphasized the importance of dignity and equality for all individuals. He coined the term "Harijan," meaning "son of God," to symbolize his acceptance of Dalits.

Ambedkar, a social reformer and the key architect of the Indian Constitution, dedicated his life to challenging untouchability. He tirelessly campaigned for the rights of Dalits and led movements for their social and political empowerment. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in drafting laws that aimed to eradicate caste-based discrimination.

Together, these two figures presented different approaches to addressing the issue of untouchability. Gandhi's focus was on moral and social transformation, promoting a broader acceptance and inclusion of Dalits. On the other hand, Ambedkar stressed the importance of social and economic reservations to uplift the marginalized communities.

Their combined efforts have had a profound impact on India's journey toward social justice and equality, inspiring ongoing movements and initiatives aimed at eradicating untouchability and empowering Dalits.

Challenging Social Norms:

Mulk Raj Anand

 Like Rabindranath Tagore or Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Anand's "Untouchable" boldly challenges the deeply entrenched social norms that perpetuated caste discrimination and the dehumanization of a significant segment of the Indian population. Rabindranath Tagore's Bengali dance drama Chandalika (The Daughter of the Chandal or outcaste, 1938); Saratchandra Chattopadhyaya's Bengali novels such as "Abhagir Swarga" ("The Paradise of the Hapless", 1926) and "Bamuner Meye" ("The Brahmin's Daughter", 1920) all are earlies of dalit literature with inexplicable cancer of discrimination. Continuing such tradition, Anand's "Untouchable" exposes the harsh reality of the intricate web of caste-based prejudices and oppression. By portraying a single day of Bakha, the protagonist, as an untouchable sweeper, Anand introspects into the everyday struggles, humiliation, and discrimination faced by those born into this sweeper community.

Realistic Portrayals of Poverty:

Untouchability is often accompanied by poverty. Anand's portrayal of poverty of these Dalits is stark, unfiltered, and unapologetic. He vividly captures the squalor, filth, and deprivation that permeate the lives of the poor in India. Through evocative descriptions, Anand draws attention to the dilapidated living conditions, inadequate sanitation facilities, and the constant struggle for basic necessities. By highlighting the poverty experienced by untouchables, Anand compels readers to confront the harsh realities that persist within Indian society. "Untouchability was, of course, firmly “abolished” in Article 17 of the Indian Constitution. But while all this is comforting – we have to admit that discriminatory caste practices remain a social scourge." says Rukmini Bhaya Nair. It has neither or hardly changed after 75 years of independence in our mind set.

Humanizing the Marginalized:

One of the remarkable achievements of "Untouchable" is Anand's ability to humanize the untouchables, who were traditionally treated as subhuman entities. Through his nuanced character development, Anand portrays the complexity and depth of the untouchable experience. Bakha's aspirations, dreams, and desires provide a glimpse into the shared humanity that transcends social barriers. By portraying the untouchables as individuals with hopes and emotions, Anand challenges the dehumanizing narrative perpetuated by the caste system.

Anand's Characterizations:

Anand portrays Bakha's longing for education, his desire for social acceptance, and his yearning to transcend his predetermined role as a sweeper. Bakha's experiences serve as a window into the larger issues of untouchability and caste-based discrimination, allowing readers to empathize with the plight of the marginalized. Throughout the novel it resounds with Bakha's  question, "Why, why is anyone superior to another? Why are we all sinners?"

Anand also introduces other significant characters who play crucial roles in the narrative. Ram Charan, Bakha's father, embodies the struggle of a traditional untouchable laborer, and through his interactions with Bakha, Anand sheds light on the intergenerational cycle of poverty and discrimination. Singh, a progressive and educated character, acts as a voice of reason and represents the hope for societal change.

The interactions between Bakha and individuals from higher castes also shape the narrative. Gandhi, a revered figure in Indian history, appears in the novel as a symbol of both inspiration and disappointment. Bakha's encounter with Gandhi exposes the gap between the ideals propagated by the national leader and the ground realities faced by the untouchables. The character of Gandhi challenges readers to question the efficacy of well-intentioned leaders in bringing about tangible change for the marginalized.

Critiquing Religious Hypocrisy:

Anand masterfully critiques the religious hypocrisy prevalent in Indian society. The stark contrast between the rituals and spiritual teachings espoused by the upper castes and their treatment of the untouchables exposes the hollowness of their religious practices. Far removed from Hindu Dharma, Anand demonstrates how religion , particularly the bhraminism  is often used as a tool to maintain social hierarchies and perpetuate discrimination. Through Bakha's interactions with higher-caste individuals, Anand forces readers to confront the contradictions between religious ideals and the lived reality of the oppressed.

Impetus for Social Change:

"Untouchable" serves as a powerful catalyst for social change. By shedding light on the plight of the untouchables, Anand challenges readers to reevaluate their own prejudices and assumptions. The novel acts as a mirror reflecting the social inequities and injustices that persist even today. Anand's vivid descriptions and powerful narrative create a sense of urgency, compelling readers to question the status quo and work towards dismantling the oppressive structures that perpetuate inequality.  Anand , being a social thinker, presents three suggestions to combat the evil of untouchability: Christ, Gandhi, and the introduction of the flush system. These suggestions are subtly woven into the narrative, offering glimpses of their potential impact.

One of these suggestions emerges when Bakha, after enduring numerous humiliations, finds solace in the teachings of Col. Hutchinson, a Christian who introduces Bakha to the principles of Jesus Christ and shows him love and compassion. This experience showcases the transformative power of Christ's teachings in challenging the oppressive caste system.

Another suggestion arises when Bakha attends a speech by Gandhi at the 'Gole Maidan.' Gandhi emphasizes the need for social reforms to eradicate the menace of untouchability, highlighting his belief that a change in societal attitudes and practices is crucial for overcoming this injustice. This reflects Gandhi's larger role as a symbol of hope and transformation for Bakha and others facing discrimination.

The third solution proposed by the poet Iqbal Nath involves the modern flush system in toilets. This idea challenges the traditional practices associated with untouchability, as it eliminates the need for manual scavenging and fosters a more equitable and hygienic environment.

Conclusion:

Mulk Raj Anand's "Untouchable" remains a seminal work in Indian literature, renowned for its realistic portrayals of the poor in India and its unwavering critique of the caste system. Anand's portrayal of poverty, his ability to humanize the marginalized, and his critique of religious hypocrisy contribute to the novel's enduring impact. By addressing the issues of caste discrimination and social inequality head-on, "Untouchable" challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and strive for a more just society. The entire story takes place within a single day, during which the novel unfolds the life of Bakha, a sweeper born into the lowest caste, living in an outcastes' colony on the outskirts of Bulandshahr. Mulk Raj Anand skillfully captures the discrimination Bakha endures from morning till night, depicting his encounters with various forms of bias and prejudice. From being verbally abused by a priest to facing the anger of a housewife for sitting on her porch, and even enduring the scolding of an upper-caste mother when he accidentally touches her injured son—these incidents, all transpiring within a single day, are described with such intensity that one could mistake it for a span of two or three days. Through this technique, Anand vividly illustrates to readers the immense injustice that Bakha must bear within just one day, making it unfathomable how much perpetual discrimination he faces throughout his entire life. But Bakha hit back at least verbally to this hypocritical society: “How queer, the Hindus don’t feed their cows although they call the cow “mother”!"

Ardhendu De

References

1.Raj Anand . (2007). Longman Study Edition; Mulk Raj Anand’s “ Untouchable” (BHATTACHARYA, Ed.) [English]. Pearson Education India.

2. Nair, R. B. (2016, January 6). Sanitation is my birthright: Mulk Raj Anand and the enduring romance of the flush toilet. Times of India Blog. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/sanitation-is-my-birthright-mulk-raj-anand-and-the-enduring-romance-of-the-flush-toilet/

3. Anand, M. R., (1989, December 7). Untouchable. Penguin Classics.

4.Untouchable (novel) - Wikipedia. (2009, August 31). Untouchable (Novel) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Untouchable_(novel)