Introduction
Untouchable (1935) is the first novel by Mulk Raj Anand, one of the pioneering writers in Indian English literature. The novel is a significant contribution to the social and political discourse of the time, highlighting the systemic oppression of the “untouchables” or the lower castes in the rigid Hindu caste system. Through the life of its protagonist, Bakha, Anand presents a compelling narrative that exposes the inhumane treatment of the untouchables and critiques the prevailing social system. Untouchable is one of the earliest works in English literature to address the issue of caste discrimination and remains an important literary and historical text for understanding India’s social realities.
Plot Summary
1. Introduction to Bakha
The novel begins with a detailed depiction of Bakha, a young boy in his late teens, who belongs to the untouchable caste. Bakha’s father, Lakha, works as a latrine cleaner, and Bakha follows in his footsteps by working as a sweeper, tasked with cleaning public latrines. Despite being a hardworking and respectful young man, Bakha is constantly subjected to abuse and humiliation because of his caste status. He is considered “unclean” and is segregated from the rest of society.
2. Bakha’s Morning Routine
The novel opens with Bakha performing his daily duties, sweeping the streets and cleaning latrines. He is acutely aware of his low caste status and the disdain with which he is treated by the higher-caste people in the community. The novel begins with a graphic and unflinching portrayal of the sanitation work that Bakha and his family are forced to do due to their untouchable status. As Bakha goes about his work, he encounters several characters, including the upper-caste people who look down upon him and degrade him because of his caste.
3. Bakha’s Inner Conflict
Throughout the day, Bakha experiences a range of emotions, from frustration to a desire for a better life. He harbors dreams of social mobility and yearns for acceptance from those around him. Bakha’s internal conflict is a central theme of the novel. He constantly wrestles with his feelings of shame and self-loathing, knowing that his social status as an untouchable confines him to a life of servitude. He is aware that no matter how hard he works, he will always be regarded as “unclean.”
4. Encounter with Upper-Caste Figures
Bakha’s life is further complicated by his interactions with upper-caste individuals who treat him with contempt. One of the most striking scenes in the novel is when Bakha is made to stand at a distance while a high-caste man, a Brahmin, orders him to clean up a mess. The Brahmin refuses to come into physical contact with Bakha, further cementing the idea of untouchability. Bakha is often verbally abused, and no matter how much he tries to show respect and humility, he is continually humiliated.
5. Encounter with Mahatma Gandhi’s Ideals
The turning point in the novel comes when Bakha comes into contact with a series of events that challenge his view of the world. At one point, he hears about Mahatma Gandhi’s fight against untouchability and is inspired by the idea that untouchables should be given their rightful place in society. However, Bakha struggles to understand how the theoretical principles of equality and non-discrimination can be applied in a society where caste-based prejudices run deep. Gandhi’s principles offer a glimmer of hope to Bakha, but he remains uncertain of how change can occur in a system so entrenched in tradition and prejudice.
6. A Glimmer of Hope and Self-Awareness
The novel concludes with Bakha’s realization that change is possible, though it will take time. The final chapter sees him reflecting on the potential for social transformation and the possibility of a better life for the untouchables. Bakha’s encounter with new ideas about untouchability and his growing sense of self-worth signal the beginning of his quest for dignity and equality. While the novel does not present an immediate resolution to the problem of untouchability, it leaves readers with a sense of possibility and hope for the future.
Key Themes
- Untouchability and Caste System
- The central theme of Untouchable is the exploration of untouchability and the caste system. Through Bakha’s daily struggles, Anand exposes the social, physical, and psychological hardships faced by those at the bottom of the caste hierarchy. The novel critiques the entrenched caste-based discrimination that permeates every aspect of life in Indian society, from personal relationships to social institutions.
- Social Injustice and Human Dignity
- Anand’s novel is a powerful condemnation of the dehumanization of the untouchables. The constant degradation and humiliation Bakha experiences reflect the larger societal problem of social injustice. Despite the inhuman treatment, Bakha retains his sense of self-worth and continues to dream of a better life, which symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
- The Struggle for Identity
- Bakha’s journey is also one of self-discovery. Throughout the novel, he grapples with his identity as an untouchable and the internal conflict that arises from his marginalized status. He longs to escape his situation and achieve a sense of equality, but he is unsure of how to navigate a society that has imposed such rigid social divisions.
- Colonialism and Western Influence
- The novel also explores the impact of British colonial rule on Indian society. While the British authorities do not directly intervene in the caste system, the growing influence of Western ideals, such as democracy and equality, begins to challenge traditional social structures. Bakha’s encounter with Western ideas is juxtaposed with the ongoing reality of caste-based oppression, illustrating the tension between traditional Indian practices and the ideals of social reform.
- The Role of Religion
- Religion plays a significant role in the perpetuation of caste-based discrimination. Anand critiques the role of Hinduism in justifying untouchability, as certain religious texts and practices reinforce the notion of caste purity and pollution. The novel suggests that religious practices should not be used to justify social injustice.
- Social Reform and the Influence of Gandhi
- One of the novel’s key messages is the possibility of social reform, as represented by the influence of Mahatma Gandhi. Though Bakha is not fully aware of how change can be achieved, his encounter with Gandhi’s philosophy provides a glimmer of hope for the untouchables. Anand suggests that social change can come through activism, self-awareness, and challenging deeply ingrained social norms.
Major Characters
- Bakha: The protagonist of the novel, Bakha is a young untouchable boy who performs the menial task of cleaning latrines. He represents the oppressed lower castes and their daily struggles with social and economic marginalization. Bakha’s internal conflict and desire for a better life drive the narrative.
- Nathan: Bakha’s father, who works as a latrine cleaner and represents the older generation’s acceptance of their fate as untouchables. Nathan’s character is resigned to his position in the caste hierarchy and is portrayed as a symbol of generational suffering.
- Chandni: Bakha’s sister, who is also affected by the caste system. She becomes a victim of the rigid social system and is symbolic of the challenges that women from marginalized communities face.
- Mahatma Gandhi: Though Gandhi does not appear directly in the novel, his philosophy and fight against untouchability influence the narrative. Gandhi’s ideas inspire Bakha and offer him hope for social change.
- The Brahmin Priest: The Brahmin priest embodies the upper caste’s discriminatory attitudes toward untouchables. His interactions with Bakha serve to highlight the deeply ingrained prejudices in Indian society.
Writing Style and Structure
Mulk Raj Anand’s writing in Untouchable is simple, yet powerful, with a direct narrative style that aims to shock readers into recognizing the harsh realities of caste discrimination. Anand uses vivid and sometimes graphic descriptions to emphasize the brutal experiences faced by Bakha, which serves as both a literary technique and a social commentary. The novel is structured in a way that follows Bakha’s day from morning to evening, making it almost like a journal of his life, filled with both external and internal conflicts.
The dialogue is rich in cultural and regional flavor, and the narrative employs a combination of realism and symbolism to draw attention to social issues. Anand’s use of English, while accessible, also reflects the character’s local dialects and cultural context.
Conclusion
Untouchable is a seminal work in Indian literature, addressing one of the most persistent and painful social issues in India—the practice of untouchability. Through Bakha’s struggles, Mulk Raj Anand critiques the social and religious systems that perpetuate caste-based discrimination. The novel serves as both a literary achievement and a social document, offering insight into the lives of those marginalized by caste and providing a call to action for social reform. Anand’s work remains an important and poignant reminder of the need for equality, justice, and human dignity.
