Question

Describe how the issue of caste was included in novels in India. By referring to any two novels, discuss the ways in which they tried to make readers think about existing social issues.

Answer 1

Hint: Caste System is one of the ancient systems that is surviving in India. It is based on social hierarchy and divides people into varnas and Jati. Over the period of time activists, scholars, writers, etc have managed to question and challenge it with their art and writings.

Complete answer: Indian writers have used Novels as an instrument and medium to interact with people on a large scale and spoke about Caste System. This system has given birth to many evil social practices and irrational discrimination against one community or group of people. Due to this same system, people belonging to lower strata or caste are deprived of equality, justice, healthcare, etc even in the 21st Century.
Now we will talk about two novels which criticised the Caste System:
- A Malayalam novel “Indulekha” written by O. Chandu Menon, is based on inter-caste marriage. Two main characters in the Novel, Indulekha, the women fell in love with Madhvan the hero of the story.
It showed the relationship between Hindu Nambuthiri Brahmins and Nayars. The novel covered, feudal system, polygamy, etc.
-Premchand’s novel “Rangbhoomi” written in 1924, revolves around the caste system and oppression of the working class, particularly farmers in Rural India. The blind character fought his battle of life and death and hardships in the novel.

Note: Novelists have used their writings to criticize the persisting Caste System in India. By doing that they have shown people a path to work towards a more equitable social system and to abolish any form of discrimination and evil practices against lower caste people.