Bama’s Karukku: A Quest For Identity And Social Acceptance In The Doubly Oppressed Society

Abstract

Bama's "Karukku" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the quest for identity and social acceptance of the Dalit community in Tamil Nadu, India. Through its portrayal of the experiences of Dalit women, the novel sheds light on the complexities of navigating multiple identities in a society that emphasizes hierarchies based on caste, religion, and gender. The novel's emphasis on the importance of self-assertion, collective resistance, and the need for social change makes it a powerful tool for challenging the dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive and just society. This literature review discusses various critical analyses of Bama's "Karukku" and its contribution to the literature on the quest for identity and social acceptance in a doubly marginalized society.