The Formation of Dalit Sensibility in Dalit Literature
The Formation of Dalit Sensibility in Dalit Literature
Kusum Lata*Surekha Dangwal**
In Indian society there exists a hierarchical ordering of people called Varna System which refers to “a notional all India fourfold division of society into estates based on function” and each individual has a position in society according to this hierarchy laid out by the Law books of the classical period. The upper rung of this system is the ‘Brahmins’ followed by ‘Kshatriyas’ (Warriors) and ‘Vaishyas’ (Merchants). These groups are also known as the twice-born which means only these groups can take part in an initiation ceremony known as the ‘sacred thread’ and can study the Vedas and perform Vedic rituals.
Underneath these three groups there exists one more group known as ‘Shudras’ who are considered as the servents of upper three varnas. According to the Indian religious texts the Brahmin are told to perform worship, seek knowledge, chant mantras and the lower three varnas are ordered to treat Brahmin with respect and honour. The Kshatriyas are given the duties of ruling and fighting battles and the lower two varnas are ordered to give them respect while they were to give respect to Brahmins. The Duties of the Vaishyas are to trade and business. The Sudras are ordered to serve the upper three varnas.
* Research Scholar, Deptt. of English, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal).
** Professor, Deptt. of English, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal).
Beyond the four varnas, there also exists a sub-section, the Untouchables who do not, even qualify to fit into an ordered society and considered as ‘achoot’ (untouchables) because of their polluting occupations they are specified to perform and placed outside the varna system. In Hindu religion and social order they are considered as Panchama (the fifth varna), ati-shudras or avarnas or Outcaste and placed outside chaturvarna (fourfold) framework. It is this section, the Untouchables and the backward
Kusum Lata*Surekha Dangwal**
In Indian society there exists a hierarchical ordering of people called Varna System which refers to “a notional all India fourfold division of society into estates based on function” and each individual has a position in society according to this hierarchy laid out by the Law books of the classical period. The upper rung of this system is the ‘Brahmins’ followed by ‘Kshatriyas’ (Warriors) and ‘Vaishyas’ (Merchants). These groups are also known as the twice-born which means only these groups can take part in an initiation ceremony known as the ‘sacred thread’ and can study the Vedas and perform Vedic rituals.
Underneath these three groups there exists one more group known as ‘Shudras’ who are considered as the servents of upper three varnas. According to the Indian religious texts the Brahmin are told to perform worship, seek knowledge, chant mantras and the lower three varnas are ordered to treat Brahmin with respect and honour. The Kshatriyas are given the duties of ruling and fighting battles and the lower two varnas are ordered to give them respect while they were to give respect to Brahmins. The Duties of the Vaishyas are to trade and business. The Sudras are ordered to serve the upper three varnas.
* Research Scholar, Deptt. of English, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal).
** Professor, Deptt. of English, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal).
Beyond the four varnas, there also exists a sub-section, the Untouchables who do not, even qualify to fit into an ordered society and considered as ‘achoot’ (untouchables) because of their polluting occupations they are specified to perform and placed outside the varna system. In Hindu religion and social order they are considered as Panchama (the fifth varna), ati-shudras or avarnas or Outcaste and placed outside chaturvarna (fourfold) framework. It is this section, the Untouchables and the backward
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