Author(s): Syed Saqib Anwar, Ruhana Kouser, Arun Kumar

Abstract: Dalit literature is human literature that questions caste prejudices and the stigma of untouchability enforced on Dalits. Dalit writings are inspired by the anti-caste struggle of Phule, Ambedkar, and Periyar, who challenged Brahmanic principles of inequality and helped to form a democratic society based on the philosophy of equality, liberty, and fraternity. In this light, the paper critically explores Yengde’s memories narrated in fragments in his book Caste Matters, which examines his social experiences with caste and poverty. The writings and speeches of Dr. Ambedkar will be used as a theoretical framework to examine how institutionalized caste hierarchies maintain and normalise poverty and discrimination.

Keywords: Dalit, Caste, Poverty, Discrimination, Ambedkar

Article Info: Received: 30 May 2026; Received in revised form: 23 Jun 2026; Accepted: 26 Jun 2026; Available online: 30 Jun 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.113.96