Abstract

The concepts of Caste and Gender have given a significant place in Indian society and culture, and their exploration in literature has played an important role in raising awareness and promoting social change. Still, a new perspective is required to visualise the changes since independence through the works written by the older and the newer generations. This research paper delves into the interconnected issues of caste and gender in the works of Mulk Raj Anand and Anita Nair, two prominent Indian writers. By employing a comparative analysis, the paper explores how these authors portray the complex ways in which caste and gender intersect to shape the experiences of their characters. Anand’s focus on the plight of the marginalized, particularly the untouchables, will be compared with Nair’s exploration of gender roles and expectations within the caste system. The analysis will examine how both authors depict the limitations imposed by caste and gender, but also how their characters resist these structures and strive for agency. Through a close reading of key novels from each author, the paper will highlight the unique challenges faced by characters from different castes and genders. This comparative approach will ultimately shed light on the evolving discourse on caste and gender in modern Indian society