Untouchable

A single day. A thousand years of oppression.

Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand is a searing, thought-provoking novel that exposes the harsh realities of caste discrimination in colonial India. First published in 1935, this groundbreaking work follows a single day in the life of Bakha, a young man born into the lowest rung of society—the "untouchables." Despite his dreams of dignity and respect, Bakha is condemned to a life of humiliation simply because of his birth.

The novel opens with Bakha performing his daily job as a latrine cleaner, a role seen as impure by the upper castes. As he navigates the bustling streets of the town, he is subjected to constant insults, physical abuse, and social rejection. A simple act—accidentally brushing against a high-caste man—triggers a chain of events that reveal the deep-rooted injustice baked into Indian society.

But Untouchable is more than just a story of victimhood. It’s a story of resistance, of the quiet strength that lies in self-awareness, and the beginning of a questioning spirit. Anand gives Bakha a voice—one that speaks not just for him, but for millions silenced by the chains of caste.

The novel ends with hope: a meeting with a visionary leader (inspired by Mahatma Gandhi) and the possibility of change through education, sanitation, and self-respect. Untouchable remains a timeless call for social justice and human dignity.

Now available as a Free pdf download on Bookdio, this powerful and historic novel is a must-read free books download for anyone interested in India’s social history, reformist literature, or stories that challenge oppressive norms.