UNIVERSITY OF DELHI
“THE PLIGHT OF DALIT WOMEN IN A CASTE-
BASED SOCIETY”
DIKSHA VIJAY
BA HONS ENGLISH – 508
SUBMITTED TO: MR. TAHA YASIN
Abstract:
This paper examines the prevalent violence faced by Dalit women in India,
highlighting the intersection of caste and gender discrimination. It discusses the
various forms of violence they endure, including sexual assault, domestic abuse,
and economic exploitation. They are often subjected to a "triple burden" of
discrimination, which includes oppression from upper-caste individuals, patriarchal
norms within their communities, and economic exploitation as landless laborers.
The paper argues for the necessity of Dalit feminism as a framework to address
these injustices and empower Dalit women in their struggle for rights and
recognition. P. Sivakami's novel "The Grip of Change" explores violence against
Dalit women and the principles of Dalit feminism through its vivid portrayal of the
struggles faced by its protagonist, Thangam.
Keywords: Dalit women, violence, Dalit Feminism
Dalit women, who make up approximately 16.6% of India's female population,
face a severe intersection of caste, gender, and economic discrimination,
positioning them among the most marginalized groups in society. As the lowest
strata within this hierarchy, they endure not only gender-based violence but also
caste oppression, which manifests in various forms of exploitation and exclusion
from basic rights.
In P. Sivakami's novel The Grip of Change, the protagonist Thangam's life
illustrates these struggles through her experiences of economic deprivation and
societal exclusion. Caste dictates her status, treating her as inferior and forcing her
into labor for upper-caste families while stripping her of basic human dignity. Dalit
women often suffer sexual violence as a means of exerting control over their
communities; for instance, Thangam is routinely assaulted by Paranjothy Udayar,
who exploits her vulnerability as a poor widow. His perception of her as helpless
allows him to make sexual assault a regular occurrence.
This violence is not limited to external perpetrators; it also occurs within their
communities. Thangam’s interactions with Kathamuthu reveal that he views her
merely as a means to provoke jealousy in his wives, further complicating the layers
of oppression she faces. After her husband's death, Thangam is denied her rightful
inheritance by her brothers-in-law, compelling her to work for Udayar to survive.
Her statement, “I didn’t want it. But Udayar took no notice of me,” underscores her
powerlessness amid economic necessity and caste oppression.
Dalit Feminism
Dalit feminism emphasizes the importance of collective identity among
marginalized groups. It advocates for solidarity between Dalit women and other
oppressed communities, recognizing that shared experiences of discrimination. The
character of Gowri serves as a significant representation of Dalit feminism .
Through her journey, the novel explores themes of empowerment, identity, and
the quest for justice within a deeply hierarchical society. She actively resists the
patriarchal control exerted by her father, Kathamuthu, who embodies traditional
male authority. Gowri's pursuit of education is a critical aspect of her character that
embodies Dalit feminist ideals. By attending university in the city, she seeks to
escape the limitations imposed by her rural upbringing and patriarchal family
structure. This educational journey not only empowers her personally but also
serves as a broader statement about the importance of education for Dalit women.
By participating in discussions about justice and rights, she embodies the spirit of
activism that is central to Dalit feminism, which seeks to address both caste-based
and gender-based oppression.
Role of education in empowering Dalit women
Education plays a crucial role in empowering Dalit women by providing them
with the knowledge and skills necessary to challenge caste and gender
discrimination. It enhances their social status, enabling them to participate actively
in economic and political spheres. Through education, Dalit women can advocate
for their rights, access better job opportunities, and break free from traditional roles
imposed by patriarchal norms. This empowerment helps in self-confidence and
collective identity, essential for challenging oppressive structures within their
communities and society at large.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the findings of this research, it is imperative to advocate for
comprehensive policy reforms that protect the rights of Dalit women. This includes
implementing effective legal measures against caste-based violence, ensuring
access to education and employment opportunities, and fostering community
awareness about the importance of gender equality.
In conclusion, addressing the plight of Dalit women requires a collective effort
from society at large—government institutions, civil society organizations, and
individuals must work together to fight the entrenched systems of oppression. Only
through collective action can we hope to achieve true equality and justice for Dalit
women in India.
References:
1. S. Preethi , VOICE OF THE VOICELESS: An Analysis of Palanimuthu
Sivakami's the grip of change as a Source of Emancipation of Marginalized Dalit
Women, 2022
2. Pratibha Somkuwar, Unjustified Justice in the Grip of Change , 2014
3. V Sangeetha, Women Marginality in P.Sivakami’s the Grip of Change, 2018
