Untouchable

Book Details

• Publisher: Penguin

• Author: Mulk Raj Anand

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780143027805

• Binding: Paperback

• Pages: 160

• Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches

About the Book:

Untouchable is a modern classic by Mulk Raj Anand that re-creates a single day in the life of Bakha, a sweeper and latrine cleaner, who is an untouchable in the rigid caste system of India. Anand captures the vitality and stark realities of Bakha’s existence with stunning detail, urgency, and raw emotion. This powerful narrative brings to light the inhumane treatment and the dehumanizing experience of being part of India’s untouchable caste.

The novel is not only a social critique but also an urgent plea for reform in the Indian caste system, conveying with precision and barely disguised anger what it was like to live on the margins of society. The simplicity and beauty of the writing immerse readers in Bakha’s struggles, his dreams, and his frustrations, making the story deeply relatable and profoundly moving.

Key Features:

• A Classic Work of Indian Literature: One of the seminal works that depict the harsh realities of the caste system in India.

• Compelling Narrative: The vivid portrayal of a day in the life of Bakha creates an intense and immersive experience for the reader.

• A Social Commentary: Anand’s passionate critique of the untouchability system is conveyed with both empathy and fury.

• With a Foreword by E.M. Forster: Forster’s insights provide additional context and depth to this powerful narrative.

Untouchable remains one of the most important literary works in post-colonial Indian literature, making it essential reading for those interested in Indian social issues and literature.