An Indian author, Mulk Raj Anand wrote his first novel Untouchable which reflects the pangs and suffering of dalits or downtrodden in Indian way of caste system. The author presents the issue of exploitation and suffering in human life which results in inhuman manifestation. Indians recognize caste system which has created exploitation to outcaste people or untouchables, ultimately resulting in suffering of millions. Exploitation refers to ill-treatment meted out to the people of low-caste. Bakha is forced to do menial jobs for the caste Hindus but he is not paid by money except bread leftover. The untouchables have no entr?e to interact with other people except within themselves. It is done by keeping them out to touch and use all public facilities such as road, well, school, temple, and such. The caste Hindus consider the untouchables? touch will pollute anything belonging to them and, for them, the untouchables are bad virus or the cursed ones. In conclusion, Mulk Raj Anand in his novel Untouchable vividly portrays exploitation and human suffering. This inhuman treatment or exploitation which is brought about by the caste system has created dehumanization making the untouchables or the outcastes feel intensity of exploitation, suffering and hopelessness.
Assistant Professor, P. G. Dept. of English, Magadh University, Bodh-Gaya
