EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION: A STUDY OF BAMA’S KARUKKU AND SANGATI

Dalit literature articulates the exploitation of the untouchables in an unjust society based on caste and class inequities. Bama, the first Dalit woman writer of India vehemently protests discrimination and untouchability imposed on dalits by the upper class in the society. With the publication of Karukku(1992), she rose to popularity. Her other works include Sangati (1994), Kusumbukaran (1996) and Vanmam (2003). The quest which had been depicted in Bama's works is a reflection of her identity which was neglected. This paper aims to explore the plight of the socially underprivileged. Karukku and Sangati casts light on the most agonizing and wretched lives of the dalit women. It argues against patriarchy and caste oppression. Bama lends her voice for those communities that are silenced by caste oppression. Through these works, she envisages the empowerment of the dalit people through education.