Which of the following social systems has been critiqued by Dalit literature?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Chaturvarna
Option (3) Chaturvarna — Correct. Chaturvarna is the fourfold varna order of Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra, which ranks people by birth. Dalit literature is squarely opposed to the Chaturvarna system and caste hierarchy. Dalit writers insist on using their own imageries and expressions, rooted in their own experiences.
Note: The sentence that Dalit literature is ‘squarely opposed to the Chaturvarna system and caste hierarchy’, in the section ‘The Dalit Movement’ of the chapter ‘Social Movements’, was there in the pre-rationalised NCERT, which NTA followed in 2023. It has been deleted from the NCERT book (2025-26), though the section and its paragraph on Dalit literature are still there.
NCERT (2025-26): “8.6 Caste Based Movements The Dalit Movement … In the contemporary period, the Dalit movement has unquestionably acquired a place in the public sphere that cannot be ignored. This has been accompanied by a growing body of Dalit literature. Dalit writers are insistent on using their own imageries and expressions rooted in their own experiences and perceptions. Many felt that the highflown social imageries of mainstream society would hide the truth rather than reveal it. Dalit literature gives a call for social and cultural revolt. While some emphasise the cultural struggle for dignity and identity, others also bring in the structural features of society including the economic dimensions.” NCERT (Pre-rationalised): “The Dalit Movement … Dalit literature is squarely opposed to the Chaturvarna system and caste hierarchy which it considers as responsible for crushing the creativity and very existence of lower castes. Dalit writers are insistent on using their own imageries and expressions rooted in their own experiences and perceptions. Many felt that the high-flown social imageries of mainstream society would hide the truth rather than reveal it.…” |