Author(s): Pritisha Vijay Dethe, Dr. Sanjay Urade

Abstract: This paper presents a comparative analysis of Dalit literature in India and Afro-American literature in the United States, focusing on autobiographies to explore themes of humiliation and exploitation. By examining works such as Omprakash Valmiki's "Jonathan," Alex Haley's "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," and Richard Wright's "Black Boy," the study analyzes the social, economic, and psychological impacts of systemic oppression. It investigates how autobiographical writing contributes to identity formation and resistance among marginalized communities. Key findings reveal significant similarities in the experiences of humiliation and economic exploitation faced by both Dalits and African Americans, highlighting the universal nature of systemic oppression. However, distinct historical and cultural contexts—caste-based discrimination in India and racial segregation in the US—shape unique manifestations of injustice. The paper underscores the critical role of literature in social activism, illustrating how personal narratives serve as powerful tools for documenting and challenging oppression. This study enhances global understanding of discrimination and promotes cross-cultural solidarity in the fight for social justice.

Keywords: Omprakash Valmiki, Dalit Literature, Afro-American Literature, Auto-biography, Systematic oppression, Caste and Race discrimination, Comparative Literature.

Article Info: Received: 25 Apr 2025; Received in revised form: 21 May 2025; Accepted: 25 May 2025; Available online: 31 May 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.103.53