The Untouchable (novel) Summary
Mulk Raj Anand

The Untouchable (novel) Overview

Untouchable is a novel by Mulk Raj Anand. Bakha is a member of the lowest untouchable caste of sanitation workers in 1930s India. He dreams of living a more comfortable lifestyle and growing closer to the British culture. He spends an entire day moving throughout his village, working and carving out small moments for himself to relax in nature and with his friends. Bakha must find the inner strength to continue on in the face of the abuse and ridicule from the higher castes while searching for meaning in his life. The novel explores themes of family and patriarchy, nature, home, escape, racism and colorism, and hope.