Narratives of Empowerment: Dalit Literature as a Catalyst for Social Change with Special Reference to Sharan Kumar Limbale

Author: Rony Bhowal & Prof. Rama Kant Sharma

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03030041

Abstract: Dalit literature has emerged as a powerful instrument of resistance, assertion, and social transformation in India. Rooted in the lived experiences of caste-based oppression, it seeks to challenge hegemonic narratives and redefine the contours of identity and dignity. This paper examines the role of Dalit literature as a catalyst for social change, with special reference to the works of Sharan Kumar Limbale. Drawing upon his seminal texts such as Akkarmashi (The Outcaste) and his critical work Towards an Aesthetic of Dalit Literature, the study explores how Limbale articulates the pain, humiliation, and resistance of Dalit communities. The paper argues that Dalit literature functions not merely as a literary movement but as a socio-political intervention aimed at dismantling caste hierarchies and promoting equality. By foregrounding marginalized voices, it contributes to the creation of a more inclusive and democratic society.

Keywords: Dalit Literature, Empowerment, Social Change, Sharan Kumar Limbale, Caste, Resistance.

Page No: 346-350