Dalit and Female Voices in Bama’s and Sivakami’s Select Novels

Abstract

Literature has always mirrored society and its various issues, using stories, novels, plays, and poems to highlight societal problems. These literary forms influence readers, prompting them to reflect on these issues. Literature plays a significant role in raising awareness and addressing societal problems. Dalit literature, in particular, has shed light on the trauma and suffering experienced by Dalits in their daily lives. Dalit women writers have notably articulated the struggles and hardships faced by Dalit women, striving for their emancipation by emphasizing the importance of education. Among these writers, Bama and Sivakami have distinguished themselves, creating a significant impact in the literary world. This article explores the challenging journeys of their female characters, who navigate their troubled lives with determination, courage, and resilience, ultimately overcoming numerous obstacles. The ways in which these brave Dalit women confront and address their challenges are remarkable. Their ability to find a place in a male-dominated society is commendable, as each character asserts her individuality and voices her dissent in a patriarchal world.