A Critical Analysis On Caste, Gender And Patriarchy In Meena Kandasamy’s Works

Abstract

Women of the Dalit caste in India's literary canon create bold political statements that criticize patriarchal institutions and the caste structure as it stands in the country. This work highlights the need for social transformation by revealing systemic inequalities and giving a voice to the experiences of underprivileged women. Poems written by these women have the potential to raise awareness about social issues, to inspire political mobilization, and to facilitate the building of communities among women who are members of the Dalit community. It calls for a change in the norms that society adheres to and poses a threat to the established order. Touch, the first book of poems that Meena Kandasamy has ever published, is a significant contribution to the canon of contemporary Indian poets of the modern era. The ideas of gender, identity, and caste are explored in depth in this anthology, which was released in the year 2006. The inquiry into these concepts presents a lot of opportunities for reflection. Through the use of her sharp poetry language, Kandasamy highlights the socio-political challenges that have an impact on Native American culture. Her writings focus on the struggles of Dalits and women in particular, but she also addresses other issues. This examination dives into the themes, stylistic characteristics, and critical reactions to Touch, with a particular emphasis on how Touch has inspired contemporary poetry and social discourse. An in-depth analysis of the criticism that Touch has received is presented in this study.