The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Raj Anand, Mulk. The Untouchable. Hutchinson International Authors, 1947.

The novel begins with Bakha, an 18-year-old living with his father, Lakha, and his siblings, Sohini and Rakha. The family lives on the outskirts of a village in India in the 1930s. They are members of the lowest social caste, the untouchables, who perform sanitation work for the main villagers, rendering them too low to be included in society. Bakha dreams of assimilating to British culture and often saves his meager earnings to be able to buy second hand British clothing and pretend to be one of them.

Bakha meets a famous hockey player, Havildar Charat Singh, who offers to give him one of his old sticks. Bakha is overjoyed by his recognition and regard. Singh is particularly struck by Bakha’s dedication to his work despite its lack of prestige, and how clean he keeps himself despite the filth he is surrounded by.

Bakha spends the morning sweeping the streets and cleaning the latrines in place of his elderly father. He also assists Sohini in lighting their fire so she can walk into town and beg for water. The untouchables are not permitted to touch the main village’s water supply because they would “pollute” it. Sohini must carry her pitcher to the wall that separates the upper caste from the lower and hope that somebody will be kind enough to pour some water for her. She catches the eye of a priest who orders her to come back later and sweep the courtyard. He sexually assaults her, leading to Bakha’s rage but inability to denounce a member of the upper caste.

Bakha must continue sweeping the streets. He gives in to his desire for a treat and purchases sweets in the market. While he is enjoying them, a man accuses Bakha of touching him and not announcing his untouchable status. He strikes Bakha and knocks off his turban, shaming him and making him feel excluded again. Bakha continues with his day, filled with rage that he can do nothing to defend himself.

Bakha ventures to Havildar Charat Singh’s house to collect his hockey stick, and Singh offers him tea. Bakha is so surprised to be treated this way by a member of the upper caste that he regains his hope of moving up in his lifetime.

As the novel comes to a close, Mahatma Gandhi visits the village to give a speech. He reminds them to live according to their religious values and cease the exclusion of the lower classes. He argues that no Hindu person can be regarded as polluting others and that the idea of untouchability is a sin. Bakha is inspired by this speech and resolves not to give up. His final thought is of his father and his need to share Gandhi’s words with him so that he might be encouraged as well. The sun sets beautifully and Bakha begins his walk home.