“Mapping Dalit Consciousness: Transformation from ‘being’ to ‘becoming’”

Abstract

Dalit literature is an important stream of Indian literature and its structure is an integral contribution of Dr. B.R Ambedkar’s vision and thoughts. The suffering of the oppressed and humiliated class and also the paths to emerge from this evil has been depicted in this. The main principles of Ambedkar’s theory are elimination of caste, eradication of exploitation and equal status for Dalits. Dalit literature rejects the age old Indian tradition based on caste and class with its religious beliefs, while the non-Dalit held the opinion that tradition cannot be rejected out rightly. The Dalit writers believed that the term tradition has been used as a safeguard by a certain class for their vested interests.