Author: Surajit Ghorai
Abstract: This research aims to explore the intersection of Dalit literature and postmodernism within the context of contemporary English literature. Dalit literature, emerging from the marginalized voices of India’s oppressed communities, offers unique perspectives on social hierarchies, identity politics, and resistance. Postmodernism, characterized by its skepticism towards grand narratives and emphasis on plurality, fragmentation, and subjectivity, provides a theoretical framework to analyze the diverse narratives and styles found in Dalit literature.The study investigates how Dalit literature engages with postmodern themes such as deconstruction of power structures, fluidity of identity, and the destabilization of fixed categories. It examines how Dalit writers employ postmodern techniques such as metafiction, intertextuality, and fragmentation to subvert dominant discourses and challenge established norms. Furthermore, the research explores the role of language and representation in Dalit literature, particularly in the context of postmodern linguistic theories and the politics of translation. Through close textual analysis and theoretical inquiry, this research aims to illuminate the dynamic interplay between Dalit literature and postmodernism, highlighting their mutual resonances and tensions. By situating Dalit literature within the broader framework of postmodern literary theory, this study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of both Dalit literary expression and the complexities of postmodern aesthetics in the contemporary English literature.
Keywords: Marginalized voices, Identity politics, Grand narratives, Intertextuality, Textual analysis.