Dalit and Black American Autobiographies A Comparative Study

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of Dalit and Black American autobiographies, exploring the intersecting themes of identity, resistance, and empowerment within the narratives of selected authors. Drawing upon autobiographical works by prominent figures such as Dr. Sharankumar Limbale, Urmila Pawar, Siddalingaiah, Omprakash Valmiki, and Bama from the Dalit community, and Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, Bobby Seale, and Barack Obama from the Black American community, this study aims to uncover the parallels and divergences in their experiences of oppression, struggle, and liberation. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from postcolonial theory, critical race theory, and autobiography studies to analyze the socio-political contexts in which these autobiographies were written and the strategies employed by the authors to articulate their identities and resist marginalization. Through a close examination of the texts, this study seeks to illuminate the ways in which Dalit and Black American autobiographies serve as acts of self-representation, resistance against hegemonic structures, and vehicles for social change. newlineThe first section of the study provides a historical overview of the caste system in India and the legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism in the United States, contextualizing the experiences of Dalit and Black American communities within broader socio-political frameworks. It explores the parallels between the hierarchical structures of caste and race, highlighting how both systems have been used to justify the subjugation and exploitation of marginalized communities. The subsequent sections delve into the autobiographical narratives of the selected authors, analyzing their experiences of oppression, discrimination, and resilience. Through a comparative lens, the study examines the ways in which Dalit and Black American authors negotiate their identities in the face of societal prejudices, challenging dominant narratives and reclaiming agency through th