Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable (1935) is a landmark novel in Indian English literature that explores the harsh realities of the caste system and the deeply ingrained social discrimination faced by the so-called "untouchables." Set over the course of a single day in the life of Bakha, a young sweeper boy, the novel delves into multiple interconnected themes that critique the rigid hierarchies of Indian society. The major themes of Untouchable include the oppression of caste, identity and self-worth, colonial influence, social reform, and the conflict between tradition and change.
1. Caste-based Oppression and Discrimination
The most central theme of Untouchable is the brutal and dehumanizing caste system in India. Bakha belongs to the lowest caste, the untouchables, whose lives revolve around menial and impure tasks like cleaning latrines. Anand vividly illustrates the psychological and physical suffering caused by the caste hierarchy. Throughout the novel, Bakha is humiliated, beaten, and ostracized by upper-caste Hindus simply for existing in spaces they consider sacred. For example, when Bakha accidentally brushes against a high-caste man in the market, he is slapped and verbally abused. Such moments underscore the absurdity and cruelty of untouchability, portraying it not just as a social evil but as an ingrained mechanism of systemic oppression.
2. Search for Identity and Self-Worth
Bakha's inner turmoil highlights his search for identity and dignity in a world that constantly denies him both. Despite being born into a low caste, Bakha is intelligent, curious, and self-aware. His exposure to the British colonizers and their way of life fuels his desire for cleanliness, discipline, and modernity. He dresses in British clothes and admires the English for their civility and fairness. However, this admiration creates a sense of duality within him—he feels caught between the oppressive traditions of his society and the allure of modernity, which promises dignity and self-respect. This tension is central to his character and represents the broader struggle of India’s marginalized classes for self-definition.
3. Colonialism and Western Influence
Although Untouchable is primarily a critique of Indian social practices, it also explores the impact of British colonial rule. Anand presents the British in a relatively positive light, especially through Bakha’s eyes. He sees them as clean, disciplined, and free from the prejudices of caste. However, the novel also subtly critiques the limitations of colonial sympathy—while the British may be kinder to individuals like Bakha, they do little to actively change the caste system. Anand uses this dynamic to question whether colonial rule is truly a force for progress or merely another layer of dominance that fails to address deeper Indian social problems.
4. Tradition versus Modernity
A significant theme in Untouchable is the tension between tradition and modernity. Traditional Indian society, as depicted in the novel, is deeply conservative and rigidly structured. Any attempt to change or challenge the status quo is met with resistance. However, signs of change are visible in the form of Mahatma Gandhi’s speeches, the introduction of flush toilets, and the influence of Western education and thought. At the end of the novel, Bakha hears Gandhi speak against untouchability, which inspires him. He also learns about the possibility of a technological solution to his plight—the flush system, which could eliminate the need for manual scavenging. These developments offer hope that social reform and modernization might pave the way for a more equitable future.
5. Voice and Representation of the Marginalized
Anand’s novel was revolutionary for giving voice to a community that had historically been silenced. By writing from Bakha’s perspective, Anand challenges the literary and social norms of his time. The novel doesn't just depict the suffering of the untouchables—it allows readers to see the world through their eyes, feel their pain, and understand their humanity. Anand uses stream-of-consciousness and free indirect discourse to present Bakha’s thoughts, making his emotions and aspirations tangible. This representation is an act of resistance against the dehumanization perpetuated by both upper-caste society and mainstream literature.
Conclusion
In Untouchable, Mulk Raj Anand weaves a powerful narrative that critiques the deeply entrenched caste system and explores the complexities of identity, dignity, and social change. The novel’s themes remain relevant even today, as issues of caste discrimination, social inequality, and the struggle for reform continue in various forms. Through the character of Bakha, Anand not only exposes the injustices of his time but also offers a glimmer of hope through education, technological progress, and social awakening. Ultimately, Untouchable is a call for empathy, equality, and a collective reimagining of humanity beyond the boundaries of caste.
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