Religious and Caste- Discrimination in Anirudh Kala’s Novel Two and a Half Rivers

Abstract

Aims: Anirudh Kala’s second novel Two and a Half Rivers published in 2021. A psychiatrist by profession, Anirudh Kala “sketches out his characters and their personality traits.” The novel describes the lives of three characters—a divorced doctor, two Dalit children—Bheem and Shamsie.

Methodology and Approaches: The novel is dealt with various themes like religion and caste-discrimination, Partition, Blue Star Operation, Khalistan-Movement etc. but the present paper focuses on the theme of religious and caste-terrorism.

Outcome: This paper explores how the Dalits being baptized into Sikhism face religious and caste-discrimination. It also shows their assertion and struggle to find equal place at Gurudwaras and in society.

Conclusion and Suggestions: The writer at the same time shows humiliation, exploitation, anger, struggle and assertion of Dalits for their dignity.