Untouchable Spring (2000) offers conversion to Christianity as a means of Dalit resistance in Andhra Pradesh in contradiction to the conventional process of emancipation adopted by the lower castes

Prerna Singh

Vol-7,Issue-6,November - December 2022

Author: Prerna Singh

Keywords: Ambedkar, conversion, Christianity, resistance, Dalit oppression, Malas and Madigas

Abstract: Untouchable Spring as a novel epitomizes the struggle of Dalits and their assertion for self-identity through the means of revolution. Religious conversion was seen as a primary source to gain social ascendancy hence large number of untouchables, specifically the Malas and Madigas in Andhra Pradesh converted to Christianity however it still did not provide them the deserved status. The novel presents how this means of resistance is radical and revolutionary as compared to the conventional forms of revolution undertaken by the Dalits. It not only exposes the plight of Hindu Dalits but also the humiliation faced by the Christian Dalits when they converted. Hence while recording the uprising of the Dalits, the novel also potrays an alternative history of generations of oppressed people and the means adopted by them to attain liberation. This paper aims to study the issue of Dalit oppression even after conversion and understand the impact of Ambedkar in adopting conversion as a solution.

Article Info: Received: 23 Nov 2022; Received in revised form: 17 Dec 2022; Accepted: 24 Dec 2022; Available online: 31 Dec 2022

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.76.38