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Intouchable : Une famille de parias dans l'Inde contemporaine (Littérature étrangère)
Ce recit, fonde sur une exceptionnelle documentation familiale, raconte une histoire vraie, celle d'une famille d'intouchables vivant dans l'ouest de l'Inde au XXe siecle.Un jour de 1927, Damu, le pere de l'auteur, refusant de subir une humiliation de plus, se revolte et, la nuit tombee, quitte le village en compagnie de sa femme Sonu...Commence alors une aventure qui conduit le couple a vivre les situations les plus extremes, celles de l'intouchabilite au jour le jour ici et la dans le pays, et a Bombay notamment - misere, violence, mepris -, puis a rejoindre le mouvement de lutte pour l'emancipation dirige a l'epoque par un intouchable forme aux Etats-Unis, fils des Lumieres, le fameux Babasahed Ambedkar, le grand rival de Gandhi dans les annees 1930, l'homme qui rendit leur dignite aux miserables.Ce combat est loin d'etre acheve aujourd'hui, car si le systeme des castes a ete officiellement aboli en 1950, il continue a prosperer et a regenter la vie des Indiens sous des formes plus ou moins insidieuses, tant en ville qu'a la campagne. Ce dont temoigne aussi cette histoire bouleversante.Lors de sa divulgation en Inde il y a deux ans, ce recit d'aventures a ete fete comme un evenement."Narendra Jadhav, economiste de formation, a longtemps travaille comme cadre dirigeant au FMI. Il est actuellement haut fonctionnaire au ministere des Finances du gouvernement indien. La famille d'intouchables dont il est ici question, c'est donc la sienne."Traduit de l'anglais (Inde) par Simone Manceau."
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1993
50 people are currently reading
1,361 people want to read
About the author
Narendra Jadhav
27books56followersNarendra Damodar Jadhav is an Indian economist, educationist, public policy expert, professor and writer in English, Marathi and Hindi. He is an expert on Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Jadhav has been a Member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian Parliament. He previously served as member of the Planning Commission of India and the National Advisory Council. Prior to this, he worked as Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and headed economic research at the Reserve Bank of India.
Jadhav has been a Member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian Parliament. He previously served as member of the Planning Commission of India and the National Advisory Council. Prior to this, he worked as Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and headed economic research at the Reserve Bank of India.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 13, 2014
This is a true story of how one couple, Damu and Sonu Jadhav dedicated their lives to help their children break free of the shackles of India's caste system. And behind their commitment is the towering inspiration of Babasaheb Ambedkar whose call to educate Dalit children became the motto of their lives. This book goes up along with Mistry's A Fine Balance and Sainath's Everybody Loves a Good Drought in helping me better understand the condition of Dalits in India.
I want to record some of the questions this book inevitably leaves you asking- why has nearly 70 years of 'progressive' democracy not been able to change the system? Education is often called a panacea. But has education been able to truly erase caste lines? I see very well educated people still entrenched in such thinking. Surely, going to school to learn math, english and science is not going to be enough. Also, caste is not going to go away by simply not talking about it. It needs to be tackled head-on. So, what can we do to accelerate change? I believe that a bit of empathy can go a long way. Given this, I find it very heartening to learn about studies that have shown how one can train oneself to become more empathetic. Stereotyping and prejudice against groups are part of the human condition but it is possible to eradicate them by training to see beyond groups and empathize with an individual's struggles, his dreams and aspirations.
I want to record some of the questions this book inevitably leaves you asking- why has nearly 70 years of 'progressive' democracy not been able to change the system? Education is often called a panacea. But has education been able to truly erase caste lines? I see very well educated people still entrenched in such thinking. Surely, going to school to learn math, english and science is not going to be enough. Also, caste is not going to go away by simply not talking about it. It needs to be tackled head-on. So, what can we do to accelerate change? I believe that a bit of empathy can go a long way. Given this, I find it very heartening to learn about studies that have shown how one can train oneself to become more empathetic. Stereotyping and prejudice against groups are part of the human condition but it is possible to eradicate them by training to see beyond groups and empathize with an individual's struggles, his dreams and aspirations.
April 21, 2022
หนังสือสำนักพิมพ์สันสฤกต จะเป็นอีกหนึ่งสำนักพิมพ์ที่ผมชอบแน่นอนครั�
คุณภาพสู� เลือกงานมาแปลดี และทำให้เข้าใจมนุษย� และโลกกว้างขึ้นไปอีกระดั�
รู้สึกประทับใจในการต่อสู� ทุกอย่างในเล่มนี้มากๆ
คุณภาพสู� เลือกงานมาแปลดี และทำให้เข้าใจมนุษย� และโลกกว้างขึ้นไปอีกระดั�
รู้สึกประทับใจในการต่อสู� ทุกอย่างในเล่มนี้มากๆ
September 7, 2014
The greatest thing about this biography is that it educated me on a deeper level on India's Untouchable caste. I had never heard of Babasaheb Ambedkar before, but I'm glad I got a chance to learn about this EXTRAORDINARY man who challenged both the cultural and religous system of India. Also, Untouchables unintentionally helped provide foundation for my dislike for Gandhi. Before I didn't like him mostly off of a gut feeling based upon his actions, but Jadhav's bio helped ground my intuition. Gandhi historically did not support the Dalit equality movement, and held a pitying and slightly condescending view of them. I have no respect for a man who refused to acknowledge an entire population essentially because of their existence. On the other hand, the Untouchable Ambedkar proved himself to be the true hero of India as he awoke the conscious of thousands of Dalits and endlessly strove to secure them equal rights.
If you're hazy on the history of the Untouchables in India, definitely check this biography out. It'll open your eyes to the struggle thousands of Dalits underwent to free themselves from caste slavery, including the incredible personal journey of Jadhav's father.
If you're hazy on the history of the Untouchables in India, definitely check this biography out. It'll open your eyes to the struggle thousands of Dalits underwent to free themselves from caste slavery, including the incredible personal journey of Jadhav's father.
December 5, 2020
If you never understood India’s 3,500 year old caste system, this memoir by Narendra Jadhav is a must read.
Building from Jadhav father’s diaries and family stories , he writes this story of his family journey and struggles to free themselves and their children from the caste system.
“Just as independence is necessary for India, change of religion is necessary for Dalits.Hinduism made us untouchables, and giving up Hinduism is the only way to bring touchability to our lives�. These are the words of Ambedkar Babasaheb , the great leader of the Dalit movement in 20th century India . He organized, United and inspired the Dalits to use political means to their goal of social equality. Babasaheb unflinchingly told the Dalits that any religion that does not recognize untouchables as human beings, treats them worst than animals, sees them as subhumans, refuses to give them water from public Wells , thinks the space they occupy is polluted is not worthy of being called a religion.
Babasaheb message resonated with the Dalits and it is why Jadhav parents with bitter sweet story telling was able to crawl out from underneath this caste system they were born into , albeit in the name of religion and through education found their voice.
“Yes, I do come from the Mahar caste. Yes, my father was barely literate, lowly employed, doing menial jobs to earn a meal for the family. Yes, my forefathers were untouchables and were required to wear clay pots around their necks to keep their spit from polluting the ground �. Narendra Jadhav thought that while he had gone on to receive an education and become an advise and chief economist of the reserve bank of India, the unfortunate truth is that he is always reminded of his caste. His caste is never cast off and remains an inseparable
Part of his identity.However he refuses to remain imprisoned by the stereotype of the caste system. Unfortunately until today there are millions of Dalits whose struggle for equality continues.
This is a moving educational story of India’s caste system. Well done!
Building from Jadhav father’s diaries and family stories , he writes this story of his family journey and struggles to free themselves and their children from the caste system.
“Just as independence is necessary for India, change of religion is necessary for Dalits.Hinduism made us untouchables, and giving up Hinduism is the only way to bring touchability to our lives�. These are the words of Ambedkar Babasaheb , the great leader of the Dalit movement in 20th century India . He organized, United and inspired the Dalits to use political means to their goal of social equality. Babasaheb unflinchingly told the Dalits that any religion that does not recognize untouchables as human beings, treats them worst than animals, sees them as subhumans, refuses to give them water from public Wells , thinks the space they occupy is polluted is not worthy of being called a religion.
Babasaheb message resonated with the Dalits and it is why Jadhav parents with bitter sweet story telling was able to crawl out from underneath this caste system they were born into , albeit in the name of religion and through education found their voice.
“Yes, I do come from the Mahar caste. Yes, my father was barely literate, lowly employed, doing menial jobs to earn a meal for the family. Yes, my forefathers were untouchables and were required to wear clay pots around their necks to keep their spit from polluting the ground �. Narendra Jadhav thought that while he had gone on to receive an education and become an advise and chief economist of the reserve bank of India, the unfortunate truth is that he is always reminded of his caste. His caste is never cast off and remains an inseparable
Part of his identity.However he refuses to remain imprisoned by the stereotype of the caste system. Unfortunately until today there are millions of Dalits whose struggle for equality continues.
This is a moving educational story of India’s caste system. Well done!
June 12, 2022
ได้อ่านบทรีวิวของท่านอื่นๆ เห็นด้วยกับเรื่อ� Timeline งง� เหมือนเราอ่านไดอารี� เส้นเรื่องเริ่มต้นที่กลางเรื่องแล้วย้อนกลับไปเล่าเรื่องในอดีตเพื่อที่จะมาให้ถึงปัจจุบันแล้วช่วงปลายไปถึงอนาค� จากการอ่านได้เห็นการตื่นรู้การต่อสู้ของชนชั้นจัณฑา� วิถีชีวิ� เราเคยคิดเหมือนบาบาเฮปตอนเด็กๆ ว่าเออ ก็ออกจากศาสนานั้นด� ก็จบละมะ ในเมื่อศาสนานั้นไม่เห็นหัวพวกคุณ แถมยังกดไว้อีก แล้วศาสนานั้นก็อาศัยเรื่องความเชื่อ เรื่องเล่� มันไม่ได้เกิดมาจากสิทธิมนุษยชนตั้งแต่แรกอยู่แล้ว คาดหวังให้ศาสนาเปลี่ยนคงยา� (อันนี้มุมมองเรานะ) แต่ที่ติดใจอยู่มากในเล่มคือ ไม่เห็นด้านเฟมินิสเลย ผู้หญิงถูกด้อยค่ายิ่งกว่าด้อยค่า ถูกกำหนดกะเกณฑ์หน้าที่อย่างมา� แทบไม่มีอิสระในความคิดตัวเอง แต่อย่างว่าขนาดคนจะเท่ากันยังยาก แล้วความเท่าเทียมระหว่างเพศก็คงต้องรอไปอีกหน่อย แต่เข้าใจว่าในอินเดียปัจจุบันนี้ก็ดีขึ้นเยอะแล้� แต่ในชนบทก็อาจจะยังคงมีอยู่บ้า�
September 25, 2018
There was a LOT of rough language, mostly at the beginning, from men of upper castes heaping abuse on those of the Dalit caste. The story is heartbreaking but also hopeful, and it was interesting to learn of Babasaheb and his work to improve life for the people enslaved by the Hindu caste system. There is much detail about Hindu rituals and worship practices, and a bit about Buddhism.
Anyone seeking to understand Hindu culture and help provide humanitarian relief to the poverty-stricken lower classes of India or Nepal, would likely find this memoir enlightening.
Anyone seeking to understand Hindu culture and help provide humanitarian relief to the poverty-stricken lower classes of India or Nepal, would likely find this memoir enlightening.
January 29, 2025
Very insightful despite the confusing timeline jump at the beginning. Those poor people omg...
October 1, 2020
You are born into a society in which you cannot exercise your free will. Not because you don't have the ability or resources. But because its a consequence of history. That's how it has always been and that's how it will always be. Choose to break these centuries old traditions and you will be ill-treated, raped, ostracized or even lynched. Is it your fault for being born an untouchable or the society's for perpetually making you believe so?
Untouchables (or Dalits) around India took the fault upon themselves and believed it to be the prescribed path of life. While others chose to challenge the status quo. Dr Jadhav's father, Damu, is one of them.
Dr. Narendra Jadhav is an economist and a nominated MP currently. He was previously the Chief Economist of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This book is all about how Damu broke free from the the label untouchable and built a future free of constraints for his children and beyond.
Rebelling against the norm takes courage and determination. The future is uncertain but you know that the status quo is unacceptable. That's why very few make the leap of faith and chart the way forward for the rest to follow. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the beacon for the untouchables. Damu was one of Dr. Ambedkar's steadfast followers.
"I wonder how many swans waste their lives thinking of themselves as ugly ducklings, trapped and punished by the inequities of our caste system. Countless Dalits were inspired to search for the swan within after Babasaheb Ambedkar touched their lives." - Dr. N. Jadhav
India has already had a Dalit President and a Dalit Chief of Justice. I'm believing that the discrimination is already on its decline. No one must be made to believe that they are ugly ducklings from birth and everyone in the society has a role to play (which sadly makes this entire detoxification process span across several generations).
The book must be valued for being written from the viewpoint of a follower in contrast to the famous text titled "Annihilation of Caste" describing the caste system from a top-down perspective.
Though a very insightful recount of Damu's life, it lacked the excitement. Maybe I'm biased after reading crime and war books on Veerappan, Prabhakaran & Genghis Khan back-to-back.
Untouchables (or Dalits) around India took the fault upon themselves and believed it to be the prescribed path of life. While others chose to challenge the status quo. Dr Jadhav's father, Damu, is one of them.
Dr. Narendra Jadhav is an economist and a nominated MP currently. He was previously the Chief Economist of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This book is all about how Damu broke free from the the label untouchable and built a future free of constraints for his children and beyond.
Rebelling against the norm takes courage and determination. The future is uncertain but you know that the status quo is unacceptable. That's why very few make the leap of faith and chart the way forward for the rest to follow. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the beacon for the untouchables. Damu was one of Dr. Ambedkar's steadfast followers.
"I wonder how many swans waste their lives thinking of themselves as ugly ducklings, trapped and punished by the inequities of our caste system. Countless Dalits were inspired to search for the swan within after Babasaheb Ambedkar touched their lives." - Dr. N. Jadhav
India has already had a Dalit President and a Dalit Chief of Justice. I'm believing that the discrimination is already on its decline. No one must be made to believe that they are ugly ducklings from birth and everyone in the society has a role to play (which sadly makes this entire detoxification process span across several generations).
The book must be valued for being written from the viewpoint of a follower in contrast to the famous text titled "Annihilation of Caste" describing the caste system from a top-down perspective.
Though a very insightful recount of Damu's life, it lacked the excitement. Maybe I'm biased after reading crime and war books on Veerappan, Prabhakaran & Genghis Khan back-to-back.
March 22, 2021
#จัณฑาล
#นเรนทร� จาดฮาฟ:เขียน /วีระยุทธ เลิศพูนผล :แป�
#เพราะปกหลังที่บอกว่าจัณฑาลนั้นต้องห้อยหม้อที่คอเพื่อเอาไว้บ้วนน้ำลายของตัวเอง/ต้องพกไม้กวา� ไว้กวาดรอยเท้าของตัวเองเวลาเดินไปไหน�(รอยเท้าจัณฑาลถือเป็นสิ่งอัปมงคล) แค่เงาทอดผ่านก็เป็นเสนียดจังไร....
ึϸงดูดให้เราสนใจอยากอ่านหนังสือเล่มนี้🤔
1.อ่านเพลินๆได้ข้อคิด ได้คำศัพท์บาลีสันสกฤตบางคำมาบรรจุใส่คลังศัพท์ในหัว(เช่�:จิตกาธาน แปลว่า ที่เผาศพ) เปิดหูเปิดตาเปิดโลกทัศน� 👍🏻ได้รู้อะไรที่ไม่เคยรู� อึ้ง� ทึ่ง� ~อินเดียเป็นประเทศที่มีอะไรพีคๆเยอะแยะพีคไม่หยุดจริงๆ�
~หนังสือมีตอนจบแบบเห็นผลลัพธ์ของความพยายามต่อสู้ข้ามผ่านการเหยียดวรรณะ การเปลี่ยนศาสนามานับถือพุทธของคนรุ่นพ่� มาสู่คนรุ่นลูกรุ่นหลานที่ได้ดิบได้ดีประสบความสำเร็� มีการศึกษาที่ด� มีงานมีการดีๆท� มีคุณภาพชีวิตที่ดีกว่าเดิมมากๆๆๆๆ
2.เรื่องก็คือคุณนักเขียน นเรนทร� จาดฮาฟเนี่ย นำเอาเรื่องราวชีวิตของพ่�(ดามู: เสียชีวิตเมื่อปี1989)และแม่(โซนู)ที่อยู่ในวรรณะ จัณฑาล มาตีแผ่ให้โลกรู้ โดยคัดลอกเรียบเรียงนำมาจากไดอารี่ ของพ่อบ้าง จากคำบอกเล่าของพ่อและแม่บ้า�
โดยในส่วนภาคแร� จะเป็นเรื่องราวของพ่อ-แม� ดามูและซาน� ก็จะได้เห็นความเป็นไ� วัฒนธรรม วิถีชีวิ� มุมมองความคิดของผู้คนสังคมในยุคราวๆปีค.�.1930,การต่อสู้ของผู้น�(บาบาซาเฮบ)จนปี�.�.1947ที่วรรณะจัณฑาลถูกประกาศให้สิ้นสุดลงตามกฎหมาย,การเปลี่ยนศาสน� ความเชื่อมั่นว่าการศึกษาจะช่วยลดทอนความแตกต่างทางชนชั้นได�
3.ภา�2 จะเป็นบันทึกความทรงจำของลูก� ,มุมมองบอกเล่าของผู้เขียนเองที่มีต่อ พ่� แม� ทั้งคำสอ� ทั้งเรื่องต่างๆที่ปลูกฝังมา รวมถึงผลลัพธ� จากอดีตที่ส่งมาถึงปัจจุบัน (ผู้เขียนเป็นนักเศรษฐศาสตร์ชื่อดังระดับโล� ,ทำงานที่IMF,มีบทบาทสำคัญด้านเศรษฐกิจการเงินการธนาคารของอินเดี�)
4.และท้ายๆ เป็นรุ่นหลา�(อปูรวา จาดฮาฟลูกสาวคุณนเรนทราฯเรียนอยู่JHU)มาบอกเล่าความภูมิใจในครอบครั� ,สิ่งที่พบเจอในชีวิ� ว่าเธอมีเพื่อนหลากหลายชนชาต� มีสิทธิความเสมอภาคไม่โดนเหยียดว่าเป็นลูกหลานของจัณฑา� มีชีวิตดีๆชิคๆในมุมไ� มีรากฐานการศึกษาที่ดีตั้งแต่เด็� มีคุณภาพชีวิตที่ดี~
5.ให�3.5ปัดเป็�4 เป็นบันทึ� มีเรื่องผัวเมี� อ่านแล้วนึกภาพตามแบบหนังอินเดี� เป็นความรู้สึกที่แปลกใหม่ดี
ประโยคที่ชอบ: 🌈รุ้งงามจะเกิดได้ ต้องใช้หยาดฝน🌧และแสงแดด🌞
#นเรนทร� จาดฮาฟ:เขียน /วีระยุทธ เลิศพูนผล :แป�
#เพราะปกหลังที่บอกว่าจัณฑาลนั้นต้องห้อยหม้อที่คอเพื่อเอาไว้บ้วนน้ำลายของตัวเอง/ต้องพกไม้กวา� ไว้กวาดรอยเท้าของตัวเองเวลาเดินไปไหน�(รอยเท้าจัณฑาลถือเป็นสิ่งอัปมงคล) แค่เงาทอดผ่านก็เป็นเสนียดจังไร....
ึϸงดูดให้เราสนใจอยากอ่านหนังสือเล่มนี้🤔
1.อ่านเพลินๆได้ข้อคิด ได้คำศัพท์บาลีสันสกฤตบางคำมาบรรจุใส่คลังศัพท์ในหัว(เช่�:จิตกาธาน แปลว่า ที่เผาศพ) เปิดหูเปิดตาเปิดโลกทัศน� 👍🏻ได้รู้อะไรที่ไม่เคยรู� อึ้ง� ทึ่ง� ~อินเดียเป็นประเทศที่มีอะไรพีคๆเยอะแยะพีคไม่หยุดจริงๆ�
~หนังสือมีตอนจบแบบเห็นผลลัพธ์ของความพยายามต่อสู้ข้ามผ่านการเหยียดวรรณะ การเปลี่ยนศาสนามานับถือพุทธของคนรุ่นพ่� มาสู่คนรุ่นลูกรุ่นหลานที่ได้ดิบได้ดีประสบความสำเร็� มีการศึกษาที่ด� มีงานมีการดีๆท� มีคุณภาพชีวิตที่ดีกว่าเดิมมากๆๆๆๆ
2.เรื่องก็คือคุณนักเขียน นเรนทร� จาดฮาฟเนี่ย นำเอาเรื่องราวชีวิตของพ่�(ดามู: เสียชีวิตเมื่อปี1989)และแม่(โซนู)ที่อยู่ในวรรณะ จัณฑาล มาตีแผ่ให้โลกรู้ โดยคัดลอกเรียบเรียงนำมาจากไดอารี่ ของพ่อบ้าง จากคำบอกเล่าของพ่อและแม่บ้า�
โดยในส่วนภาคแร� จะเป็นเรื่องราวของพ่อ-แม� ดามูและซาน� ก็จะได้เห็นความเป็นไ� วัฒนธรรม วิถีชีวิ� มุมมองความคิดของผู้คนสังคมในยุคราวๆปีค.�.1930,การต่อสู้ของผู้น�(บาบาซาเฮบ)จนปี�.�.1947ที่วรรณะจัณฑาลถูกประกาศให้สิ้นสุดลงตามกฎหมาย,การเปลี่ยนศาสน� ความเชื่อมั่นว่าการศึกษาจะช่วยลดทอนความแตกต่างทางชนชั้นได�
3.ภา�2 จะเป็นบันทึกความทรงจำของลูก� ,มุมมองบอกเล่าของผู้เขียนเองที่มีต่อ พ่� แม� ทั้งคำสอ� ทั้งเรื่องต่างๆที่ปลูกฝังมา รวมถึงผลลัพธ� จากอดีตที่ส่งมาถึงปัจจุบัน (ผู้เขียนเป็นนักเศรษฐศาสตร์ชื่อดังระดับโล� ,ทำงานที่IMF,มีบทบาทสำคัญด้านเศรษฐกิจการเงินการธนาคารของอินเดี�)
4.และท้ายๆ เป็นรุ่นหลา�(อปูรวา จาดฮาฟลูกสาวคุณนเรนทราฯเรียนอยู่JHU)มาบอกเล่าความภูมิใจในครอบครั� ,สิ่งที่พบเจอในชีวิ� ว่าเธอมีเพื่อนหลากหลายชนชาต� มีสิทธิความเสมอภาคไม่โดนเหยียดว่าเป็นลูกหลานของจัณฑา� มีชีวิตดีๆชิคๆในมุมไ� มีรากฐานการศึกษาที่ดีตั้งแต่เด็� มีคุณภาพชีวิตที่ดี~
5.ให�3.5ปัดเป็�4 เป็นบันทึ� มีเรื่องผัวเมี� อ่านแล้วนึกภาพตามแบบหนังอินเดี� เป็นความรู้สึกที่แปลกใหม่ดี
ประโยคที่ชอบ: 🌈รุ้งงามจะเกิดได้ ต้องใช้หยาดฝน🌧และแสงแดด🌞
August 23, 2010
This surprised me by being a straight memoir rather than a sociological explanation of one family's experience. As it is, Jadhav tends to get bogged down in personal recollection, to the neglect of showing how those personal experiences typify life under the caste system as a whole. This is a decent book, though I don't know that anyone not already familiar with the concept of caste would find this the best place to start.
Judged as a memoir, this was just okay. Jadhav is honest, eloquent and not given to self-pitying, nor does he gloss over or melodramatize the hard realities of living under caste. Still, I'd recommend starting off with a good sociological study of caste before reading, as too little conceptual background is given.
Judged as a memoir, this was just okay. Jadhav is honest, eloquent and not given to self-pitying, nor does he gloss over or melodramatize the hard realities of living under caste. Still, I'd recommend starting off with a good sociological study of caste before reading, as too little conceptual background is given.
September 10, 2011
The personal memoir guise of this book is used largely as a framework for political history of the Dalit struggle for equality in Indian society between the 1920s and 1950s. The book added to my shallow understanding of Indian history; for example, independence and partition were not the defining moments of this book, and I learned that Gandhi was not universally beloved among the poor (who weren't Hindu nationalists either). The glimpses into village life in the 1920s were really interesting too, and the author's mother was a well-developed character. However, the writing was simplistic (I assume due to translation) and the political play-by-play wore thin.
March 23, 2018
A book that shook me to the core at the age of 16 and gave me the first and strongest reason to dislike my country- the evil caste system. The book made me realize how casually this system is being carried on in the modern India and the struggles it creates for the country's significant population to go through. There are scenes from the book I just cant forget.
December 16, 2017
One of the best Dalit biographies I have ever read. Loved the way it was presented.
November 22, 2020
It is nice presentation of how untouchables are suffering due to caste system. Also, struggle of family is really inspiring.
February 20, 2022
DNF (made it to page 52), but enjoyed what I did read. Still giving this 3-stars because it's not the book's fault that I ran out of time, book club happened and I just couldn't go back to finish this.
Subject was something I knew nothing about and learned a lot from the little I read. Some of the more memorable passages are below.
"The untouchables themselves were indoctrinated in the theory of karma, which stated that they were burdened with demeaning tasks only because of their own misdeeds in past lives. Their dharma--duty--now was to perform their tasks assiduously with the hope of redeeming themselves and aspiring to a better life in the next incarnation. A person belonging to a sweeper caste had to dutifully carry human excrement on his head with the hope that he could look forward to bettering his lot in another life." - p. 4
"Education for the untouchables in the army gave them a new vision and a new sense of self-worth. They realized that the low esteem in which they were held was not an inescapable destiny but a stigma imposed on them by the priests. They felt the shame of it and were determined to get rid of it." - p. 7
"We returned to Mumbai only to learn that the orthodox highborn of Mahad had the Brahmin priests "purify" the "desecrated" reservoir by pouring into it 108 pots of curd, milk, cow dung, and cow urine amid loud religious chants. The symbolic march to the Chavdar tank kindled in us untouchables the flame of dignity and self-respect. It was the beginning of our awakening." - p. 39
"She slurped her tea, and continued, "Accept your husband. That is the reason why we have been given our long, flowing padar for the sari. It is big enough to accommodate all the shortcomings of our men, and long enough to cover them with the shade of our understanding." - p. 48
Subject was something I knew nothing about and learned a lot from the little I read. Some of the more memorable passages are below.
"The untouchables themselves were indoctrinated in the theory of karma, which stated that they were burdened with demeaning tasks only because of their own misdeeds in past lives. Their dharma--duty--now was to perform their tasks assiduously with the hope of redeeming themselves and aspiring to a better life in the next incarnation. A person belonging to a sweeper caste had to dutifully carry human excrement on his head with the hope that he could look forward to bettering his lot in another life." - p. 4
"Education for the untouchables in the army gave them a new vision and a new sense of self-worth. They realized that the low esteem in which they were held was not an inescapable destiny but a stigma imposed on them by the priests. They felt the shame of it and were determined to get rid of it." - p. 7
"We returned to Mumbai only to learn that the orthodox highborn of Mahad had the Brahmin priests "purify" the "desecrated" reservoir by pouring into it 108 pots of curd, milk, cow dung, and cow urine amid loud religious chants. The symbolic march to the Chavdar tank kindled in us untouchables the flame of dignity and self-respect. It was the beginning of our awakening." - p. 39
"She slurped her tea, and continued, "Accept your husband. That is the reason why we have been given our long, flowing padar for the sari. It is big enough to accommodate all the shortcomings of our men, and long enough to cover them with the shade of our understanding." - p. 48
February 21, 2024
Zeer interessant. Wij westerlingen weten in feite bitter weinig over dit land dat binnen afzienbare tijd het leeuwenaandeel van de wereldbevolking zal tellen. Hun godsdienst(en), hun sociale leefgewoontes, hun maatschappelijke relaties zijn voor ons onbekend terrein. Verder blijkt ook dat de Engelse kolonisatie een zeer groot aandeel gehad heeft in het misbruiken van het oude kastensysteem... en dat Mahatma Ghandi het kastensysteem niet wou afschaffen...
Het grootste deel van deze biografie speelt zich af tijdens het interbellum toen de Dalits (paria's) onder leiding van de charismatische Babasaheb Ambedkar opkwamen voor hun rechten en gelijkheid.
Het laatste stuk van het boek geeft het woord aan de nakomelingen van Dada aan het einde van de 20ste eeuw.
Het kastensysteem mag dan officieel misschien wel afgeschaft zijn, maar in de praktijk blijkt het nog altijd heel reëel te zijn en blijven de 150 miljoen Dalits, 1/10de van de bevolking, paria's, een verstoten en minderwaardige klasse.
Het grootste deel van deze biografie speelt zich af tijdens het interbellum toen de Dalits (paria's) onder leiding van de charismatische Babasaheb Ambedkar opkwamen voor hun rechten en gelijkheid.
Het laatste stuk van het boek geeft het woord aan de nakomelingen van Dada aan het einde van de 20ste eeuw.
Het kastensysteem mag dan officieel misschien wel afgeschaft zijn, maar in de praktijk blijkt het nog altijd heel reëel te zijn en blijven de 150 miljoen Dalits, 1/10de van de bevolking, paria's, een verstoten en minderwaardige klasse.
December 25, 2020
This collective memoir of a Dalit couple during pre and post Independence written by their son.
This book give a very intimate picture of systemic hardships, breaking the shackles of limitations put on them by cast system and the road map of inspiration and imagination Dr. Ambekhar lay down for his people.
Even though this book is few decades old it is still relevant and it has reasserted my interest in learning more about the father of Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambekhar.
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested to learn more about systemic oppression, cast system and other forms of oppressions.
This book give a very intimate picture of systemic hardships, breaking the shackles of limitations put on them by cast system and the road map of inspiration and imagination Dr. Ambekhar lay down for his people.
Even though this book is few decades old it is still relevant and it has reasserted my interest in learning more about the father of Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambekhar.
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested to learn more about systemic oppression, cast system and other forms of oppressions.
November 6, 2017
This book is nice for reasons apart from casteim discussed for it shows the effect of historic events on the lives of protagonists, and there are two protagonists telling their stories one after another.
But on a negative the book is quite verbose, it could have been shortened to less than 200 pages for good.
But on a negative the book is quite verbose, it could have been shortened to less than 200 pages for good.
July 5, 2020
Easy read wrt language and living the story although this is nowhere all about historical background and coming of age story for a hero. It is real, humane and imperfect example of a Dalit family with the husband leading the family through transition. I liked the book better for the family portrayal than what it exposed me towards untouchables plight.
June 7, 2018
เลือกเกิดไม่ได� แต่เลือกที่จะเป็นได้ หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นบันทึกชีวิตขอ� ดามู ผู้เกิดมาเป็� มหาจัณฑา� หรือจัณฑาลของจัณฑาลอีกทีหนึ่� ที่ชีวิตมีสิทธิ์แค่ขอทานประทังชีวิ� แต่เขาไม่ยอมแพ้และมุ่งมั่นที่จะสร้างชีวิตใหม่ขึ้นมาท่ามกลางการต่อต้านของสังค� หนังสือดีมากแนะนำให้อ่านค่�
May 26, 2017
Very good book.
July 17, 2017
This was really good. It's so interesting to learn more about the plight and journey of the Untouchables. It was also fascinating to hear firsthand about what Dheekshabhoomi was like!
January 21, 2020
To think that this account took place a mere hundred years ago. In retrospect, understanding the value of the courage these people demonstrated in taking a stand for themselves.
June 6, 2020
Inspirational. The passages describing Damu's fascination with Babasaheb are deeply moving.
April 9, 2024
สนุกเกินคาด ได้ความรู้มากมาย ทั้งด้านศาสน� วัฒนธรรม การเมือง
May 13, 2013
The nonfiction biography, Untouchables, by Narendra Jadhav is an awe-inspiring story set around the 1900s in India. It is about the journey of an untouchable family breaking out of the oppressive caste system. Jadhav writes this true story based on his father’s diaries and many family stories, which talks about his parents� struggle for equal rights and justice in the low times of India. For thousands of years, Dalits (untouchables) have been treated harshly and not only by the gore (British) but also by their fellow Indians who believe that Dalits should not even be treated as human beings. Jadhav’s family rebel against the caste system because they want to free themselves and their children from the life of an untouchable, which is filled with fear, abuse and cruel humiliation. This book, Untouchables, gives voice to those who are not able to speak out and tell their story. This book tells the story of India’s 165 million Dalits, who are still struggling for equality and justice today.
In my experience, while reading the book Untouchables, there were many tiny details that appealed to me. There were many unique and small moments throughout the book that brought on a rush of emotion. But, out of all these small moments and characters, one character stood out to me the most. Sonu, Jadhav’s mother, not only spoke to me but inspired me as well. It’s difficult for me to highlight a specific reason why she stood out to me. Maybe it is because she is not the normal “hero� character. She does not protest when she is married at the age of ten for a huge dowry. She follows her husband to unknown situations and places because it’s her duty to. She follows the social norm and does not stand up to it. While other readers may believe that she is a coward for not standing up, I see her as a brave girl, wife and mother. She is courageous because she does what many fail to do. She follows and walks behind her husband through the good and the bad. She does not leave him even when he cares more about equality than her. She stays by him when he talks and praises a white girl over her. She follows her duty to him by doing everything she can to please her man. These are the aspects in Sonu’s character that is very inspiring. She makes me wonder how many wives would stand by their husband during this situation. I would like to think, if I was ever faced with this situation, I would act like Sonu and follow my husband because I vowed to be by his side through everything. Therefore, I believe Sonu is a very feminine but strong woman who inspires me to be strong as well.
The narrative nonfiction, Untouchables, started with very strict and educational facts about India and its caste system. But just a couple more pages later, the book dived into the personal stories of Damu (father) and Sonu (mother). As I kept on reading the stories of Jadhav’s parents, I realized that it was very difficult for me to find a strong plot line. Many of these random stories from Damu and Sonu started to pile together and it was hard to see how it all related to breaking out of the caste system. To be honest, I was quite bored throughout the beginning of the story and I kept on putting my book down. But as I pushed through the chapters, I realized that many of these stories tied together around the end to form a strong plot. There were still some random stories scattered throughout the book that did not spark any emotion from me. But when I was around the last chapters, I saw how the characters developed and how this Indian family came about to live a free life. Overall, I liked this book. I also liked how much I learned about India and the caste system and Hindi vocabulary. It’s truly interesting to learn about their culture. I believe, teenagers would love this part of the book. However, if I had to recommend this book overall, then this would not be a great book for teenagers to read. To read the book Untouchables, there is a strong need for patience and understanding. Even I couldn't grasp many parts of this book. I would recommend this book to someone who is older and maybe wiser than teenagers. This book would be a great read to those who have patience and more understanding. Even though I enjoyed reading this book as a teenager, I feel like I would have loved this book when I am old enough to grasp all the concepts. All in all, Untouchables was a good book to read but it would have been better if I had waited to read this book when I was older.
In my experience, while reading the book Untouchables, there were many tiny details that appealed to me. There were many unique and small moments throughout the book that brought on a rush of emotion. But, out of all these small moments and characters, one character stood out to me the most. Sonu, Jadhav’s mother, not only spoke to me but inspired me as well. It’s difficult for me to highlight a specific reason why she stood out to me. Maybe it is because she is not the normal “hero� character. She does not protest when she is married at the age of ten for a huge dowry. She follows her husband to unknown situations and places because it’s her duty to. She follows the social norm and does not stand up to it. While other readers may believe that she is a coward for not standing up, I see her as a brave girl, wife and mother. She is courageous because she does what many fail to do. She follows and walks behind her husband through the good and the bad. She does not leave him even when he cares more about equality than her. She stays by him when he talks and praises a white girl over her. She follows her duty to him by doing everything she can to please her man. These are the aspects in Sonu’s character that is very inspiring. She makes me wonder how many wives would stand by their husband during this situation. I would like to think, if I was ever faced with this situation, I would act like Sonu and follow my husband because I vowed to be by his side through everything. Therefore, I believe Sonu is a very feminine but strong woman who inspires me to be strong as well.
The narrative nonfiction, Untouchables, started with very strict and educational facts about India and its caste system. But just a couple more pages later, the book dived into the personal stories of Damu (father) and Sonu (mother). As I kept on reading the stories of Jadhav’s parents, I realized that it was very difficult for me to find a strong plot line. Many of these random stories from Damu and Sonu started to pile together and it was hard to see how it all related to breaking out of the caste system. To be honest, I was quite bored throughout the beginning of the story and I kept on putting my book down. But as I pushed through the chapters, I realized that many of these stories tied together around the end to form a strong plot. There were still some random stories scattered throughout the book that did not spark any emotion from me. But when I was around the last chapters, I saw how the characters developed and how this Indian family came about to live a free life. Overall, I liked this book. I also liked how much I learned about India and the caste system and Hindi vocabulary. It’s truly interesting to learn about their culture. I believe, teenagers would love this part of the book. However, if I had to recommend this book overall, then this would not be a great book for teenagers to read. To read the book Untouchables, there is a strong need for patience and understanding. Even I couldn't grasp many parts of this book. I would recommend this book to someone who is older and maybe wiser than teenagers. This book would be a great read to those who have patience and more understanding. Even though I enjoyed reading this book as a teenager, I feel like I would have loved this book when I am old enough to grasp all the concepts. All in all, Untouchables was a good book to read but it would have been better if I had waited to read this book when I was older.
November 15, 2014
A very inspiring account of a man's struggle to gain freedom, independence and dignity; to break free from the shackles of the Hindu caste-system. Thinking back, almost all my Hindu friends have brought up the caste-system to justify another Hindu's ill behavior, their misfortunes or ill-treatment by the government officials/general public. I never could understand any of it; the divide between the privileged and the untouchables, the underlying hatred and the ever-present shame. Suffice to say, Jadhav's story has shed much light on the topic. It is a story of his father's plight; his determination to stand up to a religious dogma, and educate his children for a better life. It is a story about millions of humans who are deemed 'untouchables' by the elite in India, resulting in a grossly uneven distribution of resources, housing and work opportunities. Even after reaching great heights of success, they are still addressed based upon their caste (esp. if belonging to a low caste) to remind them of their origin. It is cruel and unacceptable but Jadhav's story provides hope to many around the world struggling with this hurtful caste-system. I think he has delivered a very important message: Education must be everyone's right and not determined by their caste. If used correctly, education and knowledge can open great pathways.
February 1, 2015
Though Jadhav always wanted to be a writer, he has also served as the principal adviser and chief economist for the Reserve Bank of India and served 4 years as the adviser to the executive director at the International Monetary Fund.
This is surprising because Jadhav is a Dalit, an "Untouchable," a member of a group so low that they are not even part of the normal Hindu caste system. His family was consigned to the lowest of roles in society, and were considered so "polluted" that even their shadow on something could destroy its value. His family was the lowest of the low, certainly not allowed into Hindu temples or any schools. They were considered sub-human.
His father, however, believed differently. His father considered himself, his wife, and his people human beings.
A revolutionary stance.
This is the story of Jadhav's father, a story that is utterly overwhelming and inspirational. How could he see things so differently? How could he have the courage to stand up for what he believed? How could he demand -- and get -- education for his children?
What an amazing man…and what an amazing story of a life in a place and context so completely different from my own.
This is surprising because Jadhav is a Dalit, an "Untouchable," a member of a group so low that they are not even part of the normal Hindu caste system. His family was consigned to the lowest of roles in society, and were considered so "polluted" that even their shadow on something could destroy its value. His family was the lowest of the low, certainly not allowed into Hindu temples or any schools. They were considered sub-human.
His father, however, believed differently. His father considered himself, his wife, and his people human beings.
A revolutionary stance.
This is the story of Jadhav's father, a story that is utterly overwhelming and inspirational. How could he see things so differently? How could he have the courage to stand up for what he believed? How could he demand -- and get -- education for his children?
What an amazing man…and what an amazing story of a life in a place and context so completely different from my own.
February 27, 2012
There seems to be disagreement on what this book is. My library has it classified as a biography. Maybe it is narrative nonfiction, a classification that I haven't been able to get my mind around. The book is about the author's parents. They were Dalit (Untouchables) Indians who grew up in small villages, moved to Mumbai, were involved in the political movement to bring equality to the Dalits. The father, Domu was only semi-literate. The mother, Sonu, never learned to read. The author has them take turns telling their story. It is a glimpse into rural India in the early 20th century and the migration into the large cities. We see them struggle with jobs, living conditions and discrimination. We have the perspective of an under-class Indian family as the country attains its independence from the British and sets up its government. We see the father's determination to see that his children get educated. And we see the children thrive.
It almost reads like a novel and I learned a lot about India and the Dalits.
It almost reads like a novel and I learned a lot about India and the Dalits.
January 11, 2008
Untouchables is actually a revised version of a book published in 1993, which I have not read and can therefore make no comparison. However, the story of the Jahdavs� journey out of the caste system in India is intriguing. The book itself is more of a collective memoir, with alternating pieces by Narendra Jahdav’s parents. This gives a very unique voice to their situations and shows several perspectives on the events that occur in their lives.
In the United States, we tend to think that the battle for civil rights is long over. In India, this is not the case at all. Seeing one family’s struggle with and triumph over their status as untouchables is powerful, and its translation into several of the languages spoken in India shows that it resonates with those for whom it is written.
In the United States, we tend to think that the battle for civil rights is long over. In India, this is not the case at all. Seeing one family’s struggle with and triumph over their status as untouchables is powerful, and its translation into several of the languages spoken in India shows that it resonates with those for whom it is written.
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