Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand is a powerful social novel that focuses on the life of a young man named Bakha, a sweeper in a small town in colonial India. The novel explores themes of caste discrimination, untouchability, and the oppressive social hierarchy in Indian society.
Bakha's Struggle with Caste: The protagonist, Bakha, is born into the lowest caste (known as "untouchables"), and his life is marked by the humiliation and suffering he endures due to his caste status. His job as a sweeper involves cleaning the streets and latrines, which reinforces his marginalization and social exclusion. The novel opens with Bakha's day as he faces physical and emotional abuse from the higher castes.
Social Hierarchy and Discrimination: Anand presents the rigid caste system in India, where the untouchables are viewed as impure and are subjected to discrimination, both in their daily lives and in their interactions with the upper castes. Bakha, despite his hard work and humanity, is constantly rejected by society because of his caste. He cannot drink water from public taps, enter temples, or even touch someone from a higher caste without being ritually polluted.
Human Dignity and Dreams: Throughout the novel, Bakha dreams of a better life, inspired by the Westernized influences of colonial India and the desire for equality. His aspirations are fueled by his admiration for English culture, including the soldiers and the British system that seems to offer respect for merit rather than caste.
Encounter with Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy: In the novel's concluding scenes, Bakha listens to a speech by Mahatma Gandhi, who advocates for the eradication of untouchability and the upliftment of the lower castes. While Bakha is inspired by Gandhi’s words, he is left uncertain about how to overcome the entrenched social barriers that oppress him.
Reflection of Indian Society: Untouchable is not just the story of one individual's suffering but a critique of the social system that perpetuates inequality. The novel is a call for social reform and greater recognition of the humanity of the lower castes, as well as a critique of colonialism and its impact on Indian society.
Mulk Raj Anand's Untouchable is a powerful exploration of caste-based discrimination in India and the struggles of an individual who is born into an oppressive social system. Through Bakha's experiences, the novel critiques the inhumanity of untouchability and the systemic inequality that pervades society. The novel remains a poignant reminder of the need for social change and the universal quest for dignity and equality.