STUDY OF CUSTOMS AND SOCIAL WAYS OF THE HINDU SOCIETY OF THE THIRTIES IN MULK RAJ ANAND'S UNTOUCHABLE

Abstract

Untouchable (l935) is a sociological novel which seeks to stress the evils of untouchability by focusing attention on the miserable plight suffering, poverty and degradation of a large section of Indian society. The novel remains a telling document of relevance even today in view of recent atrocities being committed on Harijans by caste Hindus. The untouchability, the social evil is shown with its deep roots. In other words, it reflects the deep-rooted prejudices, the barbarism and the cruelty with which men inflict human beings who are still non -entities in the eyes of society. Anand has attempted a fictional depiction of felt experiences of this dehumanizing social evil, which results in loneliness, loss of identity and ruthlessness.