Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand. Summary of the book.

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Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand

Untouchable is a 1935 novel written by Indian author Mulk Raj Anand. It is a story of a young man named Bakha, an untouchable, who is struggling to find his place in a society that continues to oppress him and his people. The novel follows Bakha’s journey of self-discovery as he comes to terms with the reality of his life and finds a way to fight for his rights and dignity.

The novel is a powerful story of social injustice and human resilience. It is an important work of Indian literature that has been widely acclaimed for its compassion and insight into the plight of untouchables in India. It has been translated into multiple languages and has been adapted into a film and a play.

Plot Summary

The novel follows Bakha, a young man living in a small Indian village near a railway station. He is an untouchable, or as the locals call them, a “Harijan”. He is constantly subjected to discrimination and humiliation from his fellow villagers and is forced to live in a dilapidated hut on the outskirts of the village. Despite this, Bakha is determined to make something of himself and works hard as a sweeper in the nearby railway station.

One day, Bakha is berated and humiliated by a group of upper-caste men. He is so enraged by the experience that he abandons his job and runs away from the station. He eventually finds himself in a nearby temple, where he is comforted by an old priest. The priest tells Bakha of his own experiences of being an untouchable and encourages him to stand up for his rights. This inspires Bakha to go back home and fight for his dignity.

When Bakha returns home, he is determined to prove his worth and to fight the oppressive system of caste. He begins to take part in protests and rallies, and even speaks out at public meetings. However, his efforts are met with opposition and violence from the upper-caste people. Despite this, Bakha remains determined to fight for justice and eventually manages to bring about some changes in his own village.

Themes

The novel explores themes of social injustice, oppression, and human resilience. It also examines the effects of the caste system on Indian society and the role of religion in perpetuating this system. The novel is an important work of Indian literature and serves as a powerful commentary on the plight of untouchables in India and their struggle for justice and equality.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand about?

    Untouchable is a 1935 novel written by Indian author Mulk Raj Anand. It is a story of a young man named Bakha, an untouchable, who is struggling to find his place in a society that continues to oppress him and his people. The novel follows Bakha’s journey of self-discovery as he comes to terms with the reality of his life and finds a way to fight for his rights and dignity.

  • What are the main themes of Untouchable?

    The novel explores themes of social injustice, oppression, and human resilience. It also examines the effects of the caste system on Indian society and the role of religion in perpetuating this system.

  • What is special about Untouchable?

    Untouchable is an important work of Indian literature that has been widely acclaimed for its compassion and insight into the plight of untouchables in India. It has been translated into multiple languages and has been adapted into a film and a play.

  • What is the message of Untouchable?

    The message of Untouchable is that human resilience can overcome oppressive systems and that people should never give up on fighting for justice and equality.

Untouchable is an important work of Indian literature and has been widely acclaimed for its compassion and insight into the plight of untouchables in India. The novel follows Bakha’s journey of self-discovery as he comes to terms with the reality of his life and finds a way to fight for his rights and dignity. It is a powerful story of social injustice and human resilience and serves as an important reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and equality.

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