Unmasking Caste and Gender Oppression in Baburao Bagul's "When I Hid My Caste"?

Baburao Bagul's "When I Hid My Caste"(2018) translated by Jerry Pinto into English presents a visceral and poignant examination of caste and gender-based violence in India. Through a series of raw and unflinching stories, Bagul delves deep into the lives of marginalized Dalits, exposing the brutal realities and systemic oppression they face. The narratives starkly illustrate how caste and gender intersect to perpetuate violence and discrimination, often trapping individuals in a vicious cycle of poverty, humiliation, and despair. Bagul’s evocative storytelling highlights the indomitable spirit of the oppressed and their relentless fight for dignity and justice. This collection chronicles personal and collective suffering and serves as a powerful testament to resilience and resistance against entrenched social hierarchies. Bagul's work remains a seminal contribution to Dalit literature, offering profound insights into the pervasive issues of caste and gender-based violence in Indian society. The proposed research paper will delve into the intricate interplay of caste and gender-based violence as depicted in Baburao Bagul's "When I Hid My Caste," examining the narratives' profound insights into the systemic oppression and social hierarchies that perpetuate these injustices.

Keywords: Caste, Gender oppression, Violence, Oppression, Resistance and Resilience.