Untouchable Terms

“Babu” is an honorific used to refer to Hindu gentlemen (generally those who come from higher castes). Babus were also often clerks, reading and writing in both English and Hindi, which perhaps explains why… read analysis of Babu

In Hindu culture, the Brahmin caste is considered to be at the very top of the caste hierarchy. Brahmins are traditionally associated with priesthood and teaching, though in Untouchable, poet Iqbal Nath Sarshar asserts… read analysis of Brahmin

The caste system organizes Indian culture into an unequal and often prohibitive hierarchy; though the different varnas, or social classes, have their origins in the ancient Hindu Vedic texts, the caste system was more formally… read analysis of Caste

A Havildar was a sergeant in the British Indian army, an Indian officer with higher-rank than a sepoy. During the years of the British Raj, Havildars were often placed in charge of a given… read analysis of Havildar

“Sahib,” which derives from the Urdu word for “master,” was used as a term of respect for Europeans in colonial India. In the novel, Bakha often refers to the English clothing and past times he… read analysis of Sahib

Scavengers, more commonly referred as sweepers, are in charge of cleaning human and animal waste from latrines and streets. Because of this work, which is considered to be “polluting” by higher-caste Hindus, sweepers are… read analysis of Scavenger/Sweeper

A sepoy was an Indian soldier fighting in the British army during the years of the British Raj (1858–1947). Though they were lower ranking than Havildars, sepoys usually came from higher castes; because… read analysis of Sepoy

“Tommy,” short for Tommy Atkins, was a slang term for a common soldier in the British army, originating in England during World War I. In the novel, Bakha and his friends frequently describe all British… read analysis of Tommy