Caste Oppression – Itisaras

Dalit representation in Indian literature

February 15, 2020February 15, 2020 Editor 0 Comments Author, Caste Oppression, Caste Violence, Dalit Authors, Dalit Community, Dalit Literature, Dalit Representation, Dalit Writing, Discrimination, Indian Literature, Non-Dalit Authors, Revolution, Society, Writing

The debate on whether there is any distinction between Dalit representations when authored by a Dalit person versus when originating from a non-Dalit writer is a prominent one. Are non Dalit writers invariably blind to some ways in which Dalits face humiliation in their daily lives? Should Dalit literature include work only by Dalit authors? Where does this age-old discussion lead us? Read more to find out. Marking the birth anniversary of the eminent Dalit activist, Namdeo Dhasal we present this article on the history of Dalit literature in India.

Culture

Theyyam: When Humans Become Gods

January 30, 2020January 30, 2020 Editor 9 Comments Caste, Caste Division, Caste Oppression, Caste Violence, Culture, Dance, Devotion, Discrimination, Folk Tales, God, Indian culture, Injustice, Kerala, Myths, Nature, Revolution, Rituals, Society, South India, Untouchables, Vedas

Today, Theyyam is the remnant of a bygone era when hierarchies were completely
alien; where people, animals and birds equally coexisted. What makes it central to Kerala’s
socio-cultural fabric is its treatment of caste. This art form is where ‘untouchables’ become
Gods.