DefinePK

Abstract

The present study examines the interplay of untouchability and elitist ethos within the caste-ridden socio-political landscape of India as presented in Byapari’s (2023) novel The Nemesis. Byapari’s autobiographical work, rooted in the lived experiences of Dalit communities, critiques systemic oppression, social hierarchies, and the cultural mechanisms that perpetuate exclusion and inequality. The study uses Weber’s (1922/1978) and Ambedkar’s (1936/2014) sociological criticism in explaining the way in which the novel characterizes dominant elitism as well as the dehumanizing nature of untouchability. The study offers a subaltern interpretation of the novel that identifies the nexus of three issues: the power, class, and caste and the way in which the voice of the subaltern counter-narrates the structural violence and the use of agency. The study reveals how The Nemesis challenges the entrenched hierarchies of caste and class, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of social exclusion and the ways in which elitist ethos reinforces untouchability. By exploring the intersections of caste, class, and power, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the sociological implications of untouchability and the role of literature in challenging dominant ideologies. The findings of this study have significant implications for social justice, equality, and human rights, highlighting the need for continued resistance against the perpetuation of untouchability and elitist ethos in contemporary Indian society.