Abstract
Indian literature has historically served as a powerful reflection of society, portraying its cultural values, social structures, and persistent inequalities. From ancient to modern times, writers have used literature as a medium to reveal the realities of marginalized communities and to question oppressive systems. In the twenty-first century, Indian literary narratives have increasingly focused on various forms of social injustice such as caste discrimination, gender inequality, economic disparity, communal tensions, and the marginalization of minority groups. These issues continue to influence the lives of millions of people, and contemporary writers bring these realities to the forefront through novels, autobiographies, short stories, and other literary forms.
Modern Indian authors employ storytelling not only to depict the hardships faced by disadvantaged communities but also to critique the social, political, and economic structures that sustain inequality. Works such as The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga highlight the stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class, exposing the deep economic inequalities present in modern India. Similarly, narratives such as Ants Among Elephants: An Untouchable Family and the Making of Modern India by Sujatha Gidla and Aaydan by Urmila Pawar present powerful accounts of caste-based discrimination and the intersection of caste and gender oppression.
These literary texts illuminate the complex relationships between identity, power, resistance, and social mobility in contemporary Indian society. This research paper examines how twenty-first-century Indian literature represents social injustice and explores the ways in which writers challenge traditional social hierarchies. By analysing selected texts and themes, the study demonstrates that literature functions as a powerful instrument for social critique, awareness, and transformation, encouraging readers to reflect on inequality and support the pursuit of justice and equality.