ABSTRACT
This chapter explores from a comparison of written and oral Dalit testimonies. Drawn from a close analysis of oral testimonies collected among the Cakkiliyar community in Tamil Nadu and selected Dalit-written autobiographies, the relationship between these two types of testimonies addresses and discusses the findings of the combined analysis. When it comes to Dalit autobiographies, the tone of testimonies is rather even. Dalit literature is a literature of protest. By denouncing its evils and bringing it into the public domain, Dalit-written testimonies protest against untouchability and the system of the caste. Contesting and overstepping in many ways the canons of hegemonic Brahmanical literature, Dalit writers show their willingness to perfect their own style. In real life, Dalit realities are far more diverse than that depicted in their literature. In such a case, any attempt at trying to capture Dalit world, the existence of a collective Dalit memory and the inclusion of a variety of profiles is a more fruitful choice.
