This presentation is about comparative analysis of Untouchable and Gypsy Goddess in which i have studied similarity and contrast in this novels.

1. Hirva Pandya
P.G. Student
Department of English, MKBU
Email:pandyahirva815@gmail.com
Comparative Analysis of
Untouchable &Gypsy Goddess

2. ● Abstract
● Introduction
● About Dalit Literature
● Trauma of untouchability
● What is comparative study?
● Why Comparative studies is important?
● Some similar Aspect of both novels
● Some different aspect of both novels
● Conclusion
● Work cited
Points to ponder

3. !
Abstract:
This research paper is about comparative analysis examines two novels, Mulk
Raj Anand's "Untouchable" and Meena Kandasamy's "Gypsy Goddess," through
the lens of their portrayal of social oppression and resistance in Indian society.
Both novels focus on the experiences of marginalised groups, particularly Dalits
and women, and explore the complex intersectionality of caste, gender, and
class in shaping their lives. Through a close reading of the narrative structure,
language, and themes, this analysis highlights the similarities and differences in
the authors' approaches to addressing these issues, as well as their implications
for broader social and political change. Ultimately, this study sheds light on the
ongoing struggles for justice and equality in India, and the power of literature to
amplify the voices of those who have been silenced by centuries of
discrimination and inequality.

4. Introduction
According to collins dictionary dalits means member of lowest class in india whom those
four main caste were formerly forbidden to touch they were formally called dalits offensive
or untouchable Historically, the word ‘Dalit’ was chosen by some members of caste
communities of Untouchables within a social and political context of equality, justice, and
empowerment.
Etymologically, the term dalit has started from Sanskrit, dalit signifying 'abused'. The term dalit
means 'oppressed ' broken crushed and 'downtrodden ' in marathi was first used by
phule and was reactivated after Indian independence the first mentioned of 'Dalit
literature conference held in 1958. It certainly was a significant moment in the history of
'Dalit Literature 'Dalit' actually signifies "persecuted". It is utilized as an equivalent word for
"unapproachable". It likewise alludes to casteless areas of India. Dalit is likewise gotten out
caste. It is a self-assignment for a gathering of individuals traditionally viewed as
untouchables. Dalits are blended populace of different caste gatherings living allover India,
South Asia however everywhere throughout the world. There are a few distinct names used
to characterize their gathering like "Fiery remains Prash" signifying "untouchables". Harijans
meaning children of God, Dalits significance Broken People.

5. About Dalit Literature
According to pradeep kumar sharma dalit literature works as catalyst for
dalit politics Tulsi Ram author of dalit autobiography murdhayia argues that,
The literature of class and community in any society grows in direct
proportion to their political representation or domination this is historical fact
and reflected in much of the world history. In the context of varna vyavastha
which reflects represent the class premise of an Indian society thus the history
of Indian society revolves around varna system.(Quoted in valmiki 2001:68)

6. The Trauma of Untouchability
As the both novel mainly focus on the Trauma of Untouchability so what is it?
Much of Dalit Literature revolves around the question of caste
discrimination and untouchability. Untouchability becomes central
trope in this literature. The practice of untouchability may well
remain unintelligible to the victims and one may add
provocative even to the perptrator.
As per article 17 of Indian constitution Untouchability is abolished
and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any
disability arising out of Untouchability shall be an offence
punishable in accordance with law.

7. What is comparative study?
Comparative is a concept that derives from the verb “to compare” (the
etymology is Latin comparare, derivation of par = equal, with prefix com-, it is a
systematic comparison). Comparative studies are investigations to analyze
and evaluate, with quantitative and qualitative methods, a phenomenon and/or
facts among different areas, subjects, and/or objects to detect similarities
According to Syed Aftab Hassan Bukhari
Comparative Study analyzes and compares two or
more objects or ideas. Comparative studies are the
studies to demonstrate ability toexamine, compare
and contrast subjects or ideas Comparative study shows how two subjects
are similar or shows how two subjects are different. When the practice of
comparative study began is a matter of debate.

8. Why Comparative studies is important?
According to Esping‐Anderson’s research, comparative study can take
many forms. Two important key factors are space and time. Spatially
cross‐nationalcomparisons are by far the most common, although
comparisons within countries, contrasting different areas, cultures and
governments also subsist and are very constructive.
The comparative study also involves comparing different time frames.
The comparative study helps
the researcher to ascend from the initial level of
exploratory case studies to a more advanced level of
general theoretical models, invariance’s, such as
causality or evolution.

9. Some similar Aspects of The Novel
Caste based discrimination:
Gypsy Goddess,, takes a broader view, exploring the lives of several Dalit
women who work as Agriculture farmers. the
Untouchable mainly discusses about caste-based discrimination through the
experiences of bakha
Education:
Untouchable depicts the experiences of Bakha, who desires education but is
denied it because of his caste. Gypsy Goddess depicts the experiences of
Kali, who uses education as a way to challenge the social and economic
structures that oppress her community.

10. Poverty:
Both novels depict the experiences of poverty and economic
hardship faced by the lower castes. Untouchable shows how
poverty is a product of the caste system, while Gypsy Goddess
shows how poverty is a result of both caste and economic
factors.
Labour and work:
Both novels explore the issue of labor and work, and how it is
tied to social status and caste. In Untouchable, Bakha's
family is employed as sweepers, a job that is considered
low-caste and demeaning. In Gypsy Goddess, the Dalits are
employed in menial jobs and face exploitation and
discrimination.
0

11. Some Different Aspects of Novels
Historical difference
Another important difference between "Untouchable" and
"Gypsy Goddess" is their historical and cultural contexts.
"Untouchable" was published in 1935, at a time when the
Indian freedom struggle was gaining momentum, and the
country was grappling with issues of caste discrimination
and social inequality. On the other hand, "Gypsy
Goddess" was published in 2014, when India had already
gained independence, and the country was dealing with
more contemporary issues related to caste, gender, and
social justice.

12. Style and structure
Another difference is the style and structure of the novels.
"Untouchable" is a more linear narrative, following the protagonist
Bakha's experiences over the course of a single day. In contrast,
"Gypsy Goddess" is structured around a series of interconnected
stories and poems, which convey the experiences and perspectives
of different characters.
Female representation
In Untouchable, Sohini, Bakha's sister, is a key female character.
Sohini is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent young
woman who is not afraid to speak out against injustice
In Gypsy Goddess, an old women who is unnamed is the main
character and the narrative is centered on her experiences as a
young Dalit woman.

13. Conclusion
To sum up it can be observe that .The novels "Untouchable" by
Mulk Raj Anand and "Gypsy Goddess" by Meena Kandasamy
both explore the social and cultural discrimination faced by
marginalized groups in India. While "Untouchable" focuses on
the life of a Dalit, Bakha, who is treated as an outcast by
society due to his caste, "Gypsy Goddess" portrays the life of a
Devadasi, who is forced into a life of prostitution due to her
lower caste status. Both novels highlight the struggles and
hardships faced by their respective protagonists due to their
societal status. They also reveal the deep-rooted prejudices
and discrimination that exist in Indian society, particularly
towards those belonging to lower castes.

14. Work cited:
Article 17 of the Constitution. samistilegal Article 17 of the
Constitution Comments. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from
https://samistilegal.in/article-17-of-the-
constitution/#:~:text=ARTICLE%2017%20OF%20THE%20INDIAN,
punishable%20in%20accordance%20with%20law
Bukhari, S. A. H. (2011, November 21). What is comparative study. SSRN.
Retrieved March 4, 2023, from
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1962328
://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/dalit#:~:text=(%CB%8
8d%CA%8Cl%C9%AAt%20),(taboo%2C%20
offensive)%3A%20untouchable

15. Dalit autobiographies in Tulsi Ram's murdahii. (n.d.). Retrieved February
20, 2023, from https://www.ipl.org/essay/Dalit-Autobiographies-In-
Tulsi-Rams-Murdahii-FCSAGW5SQG
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Untouchable.
Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/untouchable
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. (n.d.). Dalit definition and meaning: Collins english
dictionary. Dalit definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary. Retrieved
February 20, 2023, from
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/dalit#:~:text=(%CB%88d%
CA%8Cl%C9%AAt%20),(taboo%2C%20offensive)%3A%20untouchable

16. Sharma, P. K. (1970, January 1). Dalit politics and literature (2006 edition).
Open Library. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from
https://openlibrary.org/books/OL13147850M/Dalit_Politics_and_Liter
ature.
“The Gypsy Goddess.” Atlantic Books, 8 Mar. 2023,
https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/the-gypsy-goddess/.
Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand: Novel summary. English Summary.
(2017, September 1). Retrieved February 25, 2023, from
https://englishsummary.com/untouchable-novel/

17. Thank
you