Dalit Literature, Meaning, Need and Assertion

Abstract

The word Dalit means down trodden or crushed. Its origin is in Hebrew. The word " Dal" means weak in position or insignificant in society in Hebrew language. But now it is widely used for untouchable. Over the time the other word like Adi Shudra', Schedule-caste, exterior caste etc.

Caste Hindu writers have been strongly critised by Dalit Writers. According to them, their experiences and sensibilityity can not be original and genuine. Only Dalit writer can write about his experiences in a realistic and meaningful way because he has had those experiences. The assertion of Dalit writers can be traced back to 19th century Various Dalit writers came on the literary scene and various movements were driven both in North and South India. B.R Ambedkar was one of them. They have succeeded to some extent to bring equality in society but muchremains to be done.