Bakha is considered an untouchable in Indian society from "summary" of Untouchable [by] Mulk Raj Anand by
Bakha, the protagonist of the novel, is deemed an untouchable in Indian society. This label is not merely a physical distinction, but a deep-rooted societal construct that dictates every aspect of Bakha's existence. As an untouchable, Bakha is relegated to the lowest rungs of the social hierarchy, condemned to a life of degradation and discrimination. From a young age, Bakha is made acutely aware of his status as an untouchable. He is constantly reminded of his inferiority through the disdainful looks and cruel remarks of those around him. Bakha's very presence is seen as polluting to higher-caste individuals, who go to great lengths to avoid any contact with him. This ostracization serves to reinforce Bakha's sense of worthlessness and perpetuate the cycle of discrimination. The untouchables, including Bakha, are assigned menial tasks such as cleaning latrines and removing waste – jobs considered too impure for higher-caste individuals to perform. This division of labor is not based on skill or merit, but on the arbitrary notions of purity and pollution that underpin the caste system. Bakha's physical labor is not only a means of subsistence, but a constant reminder of his social status and the limitations placed upon him by society. Despite his intelligence and aspirations for a better life, Bakha is denied opportunities for education and advancement due to his untouchable status. The discriminatory practices and attitudes that permeate Indian society serve to keep Bakha and others like him trapped in a cycle of poverty and oppression. The very fabric of society is woven with the threads of caste hierarchy, ensuring that individuals like Bakha remain marginalized and excluded. In the eyes of society, Bakha's untouchability is not just a characteristic, but a defining feature that shapes his interactions, opportunities, and self-perception. The dehumanization of untouchables like Bakha is so deeply ingrained in Indian society that it is often taken for granted, accepted as an unchangeable reality. Bakha's struggle for dignity and equality is not just a personal quest, but a reflection of the larger social injustices that pervade his world.
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