Untouchable Spring

by KALYAN RAO G, Alladi Uma (Translator), M. Sridhar (Translator)

Untouchable Spring, a memory text, is a family/community saga, a novel and a historical document rolled into one. Using the oral story-telling tradition, Rao has brought to the fore not just the social and cultural life of generations of Dalits, but their art forms.

Through the stories of successive generations, we are taken on a journey to their heart from those who were exploited to those who discover their humanity through defiance. The reminiscences of Ruth take us to her husband Reuben's family in Yennela Dinni, to the boy Yellanna, his being chased away by his caste superiors , his music, his son Sivaiah's escape from the drought along with his wife, the latter's conversion to Christianity, the brutality against him and other Dalit Christians, the birth of Reuben when things seem to fall apart and he is later left in an orphanage, and then to Reuben's search for his roots.

This faithful translation from the Telugu, arousing pity for all that is pitiable and rage at what man has done to man, points to the growing awareness of people's rights and how they are driven to armed struggle.

Genres: Fiction, India, Indian Literature

292 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2010

Reviews

[Shayantani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be compulsory reading for every entitled ass out there who thinks caste does not exist.

[Parth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic saga of oppression and rebellion, spanning generations of people of the village of Yennela Dinni and beyond, Untouchable Spring is a remarkable achievement. The translation by Alladi Uma and M. Sridhar manages to present a highly readable and poetic version, alone reading which, you would realise the task they would have to go through to translate such a dense text! A commendable job!

Thanks to the Delhi University syllabus, students are presented with the opportunity to witness (and not just read) the culture, the saga of Dalit culture and revolt. Dalit culture is little represented in mainstream literature or cinema apart from being the 'victim caste'. Untouchable Spring, hence, becomes an important tool to dwell and explore the story, history has forgotten to tell.

There are several layers to the text, which can incite a healthy discussion but only when people realize and get out of their comfort-literary-zone to see that there exists an entire body of work waiting to be seen and heard.

[Prachi Tuteja · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to imagine the trauma of the untouchables, let alone living it. This book is a must read for every Indian, especially the ones who believe that caste is the foundation of this society, and that's how it's meant to be.

[dipandjelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oddly problematic ending, with the convergence of class and caste, but a memorable book if nothing else. The literature surrounding this book was, to me, a little more compelling than the book itself. But the sheer scope of it, and the endeavour of memory and archiving of oral traditions with relations to caste and casteism and marginalization to the point of criminalization in India is enough for me to recommend it for reading to others. This text, much like the rest of the texts in this particular paper's syllabus, started out as a groan and ended as a point of deep interest, for me.

[Rehana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Untouchable - a word that goes hand in hand with the Indian caste system. And, one cannot speak about the Indian caste system without talking about this book.

Untouchable Spring is an important work of fiction which masters the art of oral storytelling highlighting the struggles of the generations of the Malas and Madigas of Yellenadinni, how their lives are reduced to nothing because of the curse of the Gods and how they fought against all odds for their own justice. You can't read this book without a feeling of tightness in your chest.

This book is included in the indian curriculum at many levels and I understand why. But having said that, for me, it was an extremely difficult read. It took me three long months to finish, skimming through parts of it. It might have been the overuse of characters or the homophonic names or the cultural extravaganza that was presented without a break one after the other. I had to take multiple breaks in between as well. I tried reading and rereading some parts but they kind of went over my head. I wanted to love it, but all I could manage was to like it in parts.

I still would recommend it for its important discussion on caste oppression prevalent throughout the decades in India. The copy is extremely rare and expensive. Go for it, if you can afford or find it.

[Selenophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best Indian books ever written. I don't have words to describe the pain and awe I felt while reading this beautiful work. Centuries of oppression and suffering, a family saga, their struggle to survive and strive. Caste system exists in India and it is so deep rooted that no matter how much we try to ignore it, we cannot. In the name of religion and culture one whole community has been exploited and reduced to nothing. If we genuinely want to grow and develop, caste system needs to be eradicated and Dalit community has to be uplifted. The dream of Dr Ambedkar has to be realised and only then will we succeed as a nation and as a race.

[Ananya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought i was starting to get it...until i couldn't
the subject matter is important but the writing is so inaccessible. i refuse to believe that it was lost in translation. there is something more problematic than the rustic dialect of the million characters in the book. maybe i had a culture shock, and the writing didn't help at all
dnf at chapter 10 (see i came much too far, only to give up in exasperation)

[Anushka Dhaundiyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A complicated text coming from a culture I had no knowledge about. At some places I could grasp the weight of the text but at other places I would like to believe a lot was lost in translation. And I kept losing track of the innumerable characters! Yet it showcased the reality of caste in an entirely unfamiliar context by densely interweaving so many lives at once.
(Leaving it unrated as of now because I am looking forward to the lectures on this text to get a better understanding)

[InfiniteLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'd have liked this more if it had been less confusing.

[Prasanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional hit.

[RAGHAVI · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Telugu version, it was amazing. The book is dense and intense. It talks about caste and art in a dynamic way which was done never before. The books take you in rollercoaster ride of emotions. No more words to express my feelings on this master piece.

[Ziniya Al Baha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read novel that not only grips you from the very beginning till the end but also makes you wonder about the philosophical sense

[Lucifer Morningstar · Rating 5 out of 5]

it should be read by everyone !!!