Void in Aesthetics of Dalit Literature

Abstract

Dalit literature has emerged as a transformative force in Indian literary traditions, challenging entrenched caste hierarchies and redefining the aesthetics of storytelling. Unlike mainstream literature, whose aesthetic sensibilities often privilege upper-caste norms of beauty, form, and language, Dalit literature foregrounds lived experiences of marginalization, oppression, and resistance as the foundation of artistic value. This paper critically examines the aesthetics of Dalit literature by situating it within historical, socio-political, and theoretical contexts. Drawing upon Ambedkarite philosophy, subaltern theory, and postcolonial literary criticism, it explores how Dalit writers subvert dominant literary canons and construct alternative aesthetic frameworks grounded in authenticity, social truth, and moral urgency. Through detailed analyses of seminal works such as Omprakash Valmiki’s Joothan (2003), Sharankumar Limbale’s Akkarmashi (The Outcaste), and Namdeo Dhasal’s poetry, the study identifies recurring themes of caste oppression, cultural reclamation, and linguistic innovation. The research also incorporates comparative perspectives, linking Dalit aesthetics to other literatures of resistance, including African-American and Indigenous writing, to highlight the universal resonance of marginalized voices. By foregrounding the interplay between politics and aesthetics, the paper argues that the value of Dalit literature lies not only in its socio-political message but also in its redefinition of artistic beauty—where truth, dignity, and emancipation become aesthetic ideals. This approach expands the scope of literary criticism and invites a more inclusive understanding of art in the Indian context.