The Plight of the Oppressed exposed in

Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable

Introduction Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable, first published in 1935, is a seminal work in
Indian literature that vividly portrays the socio-political conditions of pre-independence India.
The novel follows a single day in the life of Bakha, a young Dalit boy, and exposes the deep-
seated discrimination and dehumanization suffered by the so-called untouchables in the rigid
caste hierarchy. Through a compelling narrative, Anand critiques the social system and calls for
reform, using a blend of realism and modernist literary techniques to bring the reader into
Bakha’s world. This essay explores the themes, characters, narrative style, and socio-political
impact of Untouchable, analyzing how Anand effectively conveys the injustice of caste
discrimination.

Historical and Social Context To understand Untouchable, one must recognize the historical
and social backdrop against which it was written. In early 20th-century India, the caste system
was deeply entrenched, governing every aspect of life, from occupation to social interactions.
The Dalits, formerly known as untouchables, were relegated to menial jobs such as cleaning
latrines and sweeping streets. They were considered impure and faced systemic exclusion from
mainstream society. Anand, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s reformist ideas and his own
personal interactions with Dalits, sought to expose this injustice through his novel. The book
serves as a powerful indictment of the caste system and remains relevant in contemporary
discussions on caste-based discrimination.

Plot Summary The novel is set over a single day in the life of Bakha, a young sweeper boy in
the town of Bulashah. Bakha dreams of a better life, one where he is not treated as subhuman due
to his caste. However, the day unfolds as a series of humiliations and hardships. As he goes
about his work, he is abused by higher-caste Hindus for merely existing in their presence. He
accidentally brushes against a Brahmin, who erupts in outrage, calling him polluted. This
incident sets the tone for the rest of Bakha’s day, in which he continuously faces oppression.

Seeking respite, Bakha visits a temple, only to be chased away when the priests realize his
presence defiles the sanctity of the place. Later, he attempts to quench his thirst but is denied
water from a public well because of his caste. He is falsely accused of sexual misconduct, further
demonstrating the deep-rooted biases of society. By the end of the day, Bakha has encounters
with three figures who offer different solutions to his predicament: a Christian missionary
advocating conversion, Mahatma Gandhi preaching nonviolent reform, and a poet suggesting
that modern sanitation (flushing toilets) might eliminate untouchability. Confused and
contemplative, Bakha’s fate remains unresolved as he ponders his future.

Character Analysis

1. Bakha: The protagonist of the novel, Bakha is a complex and deeply human character.
Though resigned to his position as a sweeper, he harbors aspirations for dignity and
equality. Anand portrays him as intelligent and introspective, yet powerless against the
 system that subjugates him. Bakha’s experiences serve as a lens through which the reader
witnesses the brutality of untouchability.
2. Lakha: Bakha’s father, Lakha, represents the older generation of untouchables who have
internalized their oppression. He advises Bakha to be submissive and avoid conflict,
highlighting the generational divide in attitudes toward social change.
3. Rakha and Sohini: Bakha’s younger brother, Rakha, is less developed as a character, but
his presence underscores the cyclical nature of caste oppression. Sohini, Bakha’s sister,
suffers her own ordeal when she is sexually harassed by a priest, further illustrating the
exploitation faced by Dalit women.
4. The Brahmin Priest: He embodies the hypocrisy of upper-caste Hindus. Though he
portrays himself as a spiritual leader, he takes advantage of Sohini, showing how caste
discrimination is often intertwined with gender-based oppression.
5. Mahatma Gandhi: Anand includes a scene where Bakha listens to Gandhi’s speech,
which advocates for the upliftment of untouchables. Gandhi’s presence in the novel
symbolizes the political efforts to address caste discrimination and provides Bakha with a
glimmer of hope, though no concrete solution.

Themes in Untouchable

1. Caste Discrimination and Social Hierarchy

o The novel’s primary theme is the rigid caste hierarchy that governs Indian society.
Anand’s depiction of Bakha’s suffering exposes the cruelty of a system that
denies human dignity based on birth.
2. Alienation and Humiliation
o Bakha’s experiences highlight how untouchability not only inflicts physical
suffering but also causes profound psychological damage. The sense of alienation
is a recurring motif, as Bakha finds himself rejected from temples, streets, and
even sources of water.
3. Search for Dignity and Identity
o Bakha’s inner conflict revolves around his desire for respect and self-worth. His
admiration for the British, his attempts to dress like them, and his hope for a
better life all signify his yearning to escape the confines of his caste identity.
4. The Role of Religion and Reform
o Anand critiques the complicity of religion in sustaining caste discrimination. The
temple scene, where the Brahmin priest molests Sohini but claims pollution from
Bakha, underscores the hypocrisy of religious institutions. The novel also presents
Gandhi’s reformist ideals and Christianity’s promise of salvation, though Bakha
remains skeptical of both.
5. Modernity and Technology as Solutions
o Towards the end, a poet suggests that the adoption of modern sanitation systems
would render untouchability obsolete. This pragmatic perspective contrasts with
the religious and philosophical arguments presented earlier, leaving the reader to
ponder the most effective path to social change.

Narrative Style and Literary Techniques Anand employs a modernist style, using stream-of-
consciousness narration to delve into Bakha’s thoughts and emotions. This technique allows
readers to experience his humiliation firsthand. The novel is also marked by its use of Indianized
English, incorporating Hindi and Punjabi phrases to retain cultural authenticity. Anand’s realism,
influenced by European writers like Charles Dickens and Fyodor Dostoevsky, ensures that the
novel remains a stark, unfiltered portrayal of caste oppression.

Impact and Legacy Upon its publication, Untouchable was groundbreaking in its candid
depiction of caste discrimination. It brought the issue to a global audience and played a role in
shaping discourse on caste reform in India. The novel remains an essential text in postcolonial
literature, studied for its socio-political significance and literary merit. Even today, caste
discrimination persists in various forms, making Anand’s critique as relevant as ever.

Conclusion Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable is a powerful indictment of the caste system and a
plea for social reform. Through the character of Bakha, Anand brings to light the daily
indignities faced by Dalits and forces readers to confront the reality of untouchability. The
novel’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke thought and inspire change. As long as
caste-based discrimination continues, Untouchable will remain a crucial literary work in the fight
for equality and justice.