The Rise and Growth of Dalit Literature as a Historical and Social Voice Against Caste Oppression

Abstract

The rise of Dalit literature as a historical voice marks a radical shift in Indian literary traditions, foregrounding the lived realities of communities historically silenced by caste oppression. Emerging as a form of resistance and assertion, Dalit literature redefines the purpose of writing by transforming it into a tool of protest, identity formation, and social justice. Beginning with the reformist works of thinkers like Jyotirao Phule and gaining momentum through the Ambedkarite movement, Dalit writing developed into a vibrant corpus across multiple Indian languages, especially after the 1950s. Characterized by its authenticity, raw realism, and autobiographical intensity, it challenges elite aesthetics while documenting untouchability, poverty, and resilience. Dalit women’s narratives further enrich this body of work by highlighting the intersection of caste and gender. Today, Dalit literature serves as both counter-history and cultural revolution, ensuring that marginalized voices are acknowledged as central to India’s democratic and literary discourse.