Dalit Consciousness and Identity through Folk Tradition and Oral Narratives in Gogu Shyamala's Literary Works

Abstract

Gogu Shyamala is a Telugu Dalit female writer, activist, poet, critic, and ardent follower of the Ambekarite movement. She is inspired and motivated by Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s thoughts, ideology, and philosophy. Dalit literature is an emerging literary trend in modern Indian literature. It was initiated by Marathi Dalit writers in the mid-20th century. It started in Maharashtra and soon spread to the rest of the regional languages in India. Marginal literature has used folk tradition and oral narratives to represent Dalit oppression, sufferings, and issues, especially Dalit women's issues. Folk songs are the hallmark of Dalit consciousness in literature, and Oral
narratives are the best examples of the continuation of Dalit thoughts, expressions and feelings to future generations.