Negotiating Caste and Gender: A study of Karukku and the grip of Change

Abstract:

The Indian caste system in the 20th century had rigid hierarchy that caused social inequality, intense marginalization and violence against lower castes, especially towards Dalits (formerly “untouchables”). This paper examines the intersectionality in caste and gender in the literary work, Karukku by Bama and The Grip of Change by P. Sivakami. It speaks about how Dalit women experienced discrimination not only by caste but also because of gender and patriarchy. The aim of this paper is to show how the two authors Bama and P. Sivakami with their incredible literary works Karukku and The Grip of Change represented resistance, identity and a way to explain difficult livelihood of Dalit women. Karukku an autobiographical work from lived experiences of Bama, it illustrates marginalization and gender prejudice which are so depicted realistically, while P. Sivakami a prominent writer and the formal member of Indian administrative service who strongly identifies herself as Dalit feminist, writes a fictional novel The Grip of Change. The authors are critical of the Dalit movement and Dalit patriarchy. This text demonstrates double marginalization, caste-based violence and internal patriarchy. These narratives are not mere reflections into the past but lived experiences and present socigical base. This study argues that both works demonstrate the double marginalization faced by Dalit women, but they differ in presenting resistance.