Sivakami analysis

NAME: Shubhangi Bisht
COURSE: B. A. Honours English

ROLL NO.: 22ENA033
Intersection of Gender, Caste, and Class in The Grip of Change by P. Sivakami
Introduction:
The Grip of Change by P. Sivakami is a powerful exploration of the intersecting issues of gender,
caste, and class within Indian society. Written in 1986, the novel is a unique work that focuses on
the struggles of Dalit women, who are marginalized due to both their caste and gender. Sivakami,
herself a Dalit woman and former bureaucrat, brings an insider’s perspective to the story,
shedding light on the multiple layers of oppression faced by Dalit women. Through the story of
protagonist Thangam, Sivakami reveals how gender, caste, and class dynamics trap people
within rigid social structures and make it difficult for them to escape poverty, exploitation, and
abuse.
Gender Oppression:
The story’s central character, Thangam, is a Dalit widow who experiences brutal mistreatment
because of her gender. Thangam is sexually assaulted by her upper-caste landlord, which
highlights the lack of control Dalit women have over their own bodies. Her identity as a woman
makes her vulnerable to physical and sexual violence, and because she is Dalit, she faces a lack
of social support and justice. Thangam’s experience reflects how Dalit women often bear a
double burden of oppression, targeted not only because of their caste but also because of their
gender.
In the novel, Sivakami portrays how women are frequently seen as property or objects, rather
than as individuals with their own rights and desires. The sexual violence Thangam faces is an
example of how women, especially those from marginalized castes, are dehumanized and
exploited by those in power. Furthermore, Thangam’s plight reveals how the patriarchal structure
within Dalit communities themselves reinforces traditional gender roles, limiting women’s
independence. Even within her own community, Thangam is judged and criticized, showing that
gender oppression is deeply embedded in society, affecting women across all castes and classes.
Caste Oppression:
Caste discrimination is a major theme in The Grip of Change, and Sivakami uses Thangam’s
story to depict the inhumane treatment of Dalits by upper-caste individuals. The assault Thangam
endures is not only a gendered attack but also a caste-based one. Her landlord assumes he can
abuse her because she belongs to a "lower" caste, revealing how caste hierarchy perpetuates
violence and control over Dalits. Throughout the novel, Dalits are depicted as being seen as
inferior, and the upper-caste characters use their status to exploit and dehumanize them.
Sivakami also examines how caste-based discrimination is institutionalized, affecting Dalits’
access to education, employment, and justice. Thangam’s case is not given serious consideration
by the authorities, as the justice system is biased in favor of the upper-caste people who hold
power. This lack of legal support perpetuates the cycle of oppression for Dalit communities,
trapping them in poverty and vulnerability. The novel highlights how caste discrimination is not
just a personal prejudice but a deeply entrenched social system that systematically marginalizes
Dalits.
Class Oppression:
Class is another intersecting factor that complicates Thangam’s situation and that of the other
characters in the novel. Poverty is a constant struggle for Thangam, who has to work as a laborer
to survive. Her economic vulnerability makes her more susceptible to exploitation, as she cannot
afford to lose her job or anger her landlord. Thangam’s poverty limits her options and makes it
difficult for her to assert her rights or seek justice for the abuse she suffers.
The novel also portrays how caste and class intersect, as Dalits are often among the poorest in
society due to caste-based restrictions on education and job opportunities. This intersection
means that many Dalits are trapped in low-wage, menial labor, unable to rise economically. In
contrast, the upper-caste characters in the novel are often wealthy landowners, reinforcing the
power imbalance between the castes. By depicting the economic challenges faced by Dalits,
Sivakami highlights the link between caste and class, showing how both reinforce each other to
keep marginalized communities in positions of subservience.
Intersections and Resistance:
One of the most significant aspects of The Grip of Change is how it reveals the intersections
between gender, caste, and class, creating a triple burden for Dalit women. Thangam’s identity as
a poor, Dalit woman places her at the very bottom of the social hierarchy, making her a target for
abuse from upper-caste men and discrimination even within her community. However, Sivakami
does not portray Thangam and other Dalit women as mere victims. The novel emphasizes their
resilience and agency as they navigate these oppressive systems.
Sivakami shows that change is possible through solidarity and resistance. For example, Thangam
and other Dalit characters find support within their community, forming alliances that give them
the strength to stand up to upper-caste oppression. This sense of community is vital for their
survival and resistance. Sivakami’s portrayal of Thangam’s journey from victimhood to self-
assertion suggests that while the systems of caste, class, and gender are powerful, they are not
unbreakable. By highlighting the collective strength of Dalits, especially Dalit women, the novel
advocates for social change.
Conclusion:
The Grip of Change offers a raw and honest portrayal of the intersection of gender, caste, and
class in Indian society. Sivakami’s novel powerfully illustrates how these systems of oppression
interact to marginalize Dalit women, making them vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and poverty.
However, Sivakami also emphasizes the strength and resilience of her characters, suggesting that
solidarity within marginalized communities can challenge and resist these structures. Through
Thangam’s story, the novel underscores the importance of addressing these interconnected forms
of oppression if meaningful social change is to be achieved.

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NAME: Shubhangi Bisht

COURSE: B. A. Honours English

Intersection of Gender, Caste, and Class in The Grip of Change by P. Sivakami

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