Omprakash Valmiki's Joothan is a powerful Dalit autobiography that exposes the systemic oppression faced by Dalit communities in India. This paper examines the underexplored theme of food and contaminated spaces as markers of caste-based oppression and resistance in the memoir. By analyzing food-related stigma, spatial segregation, and social exclusion, this study highlights how these elements reinforce caste hierarchies. This study also explores how Valmiki reclaims agency through narrative resistance, positioning these themes within broader frameworks of food justice, spatial politics, and human dignity. Situating Joothan within contemporary discourse, this study highlights its enduring relevance in caste, equity, and social justice debates.
Research Scholar, Department of English, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya
