ABSTRACT
In the testimonios discussed in this chapter both Bama and Pawar describe the violent domestic quarrels that are carried on publicly; however, at the same time, these incidents do display the women fighting back. Moreover, patriarchal oppression within the Dalit community is not the only type of oppression experienced by Dalit women. The testimonios under consideration in this chapter are proof of Dalit women's activism in building public platforms for Dalit women to articulate their life stories and struggles. As Dalits, both Bama and Pawar have experienced Dalitness, and as witnesses they understand similar experiences in their fellow men. Instead of privileging their own voices, Bama and Pawar use a plethora of voices, especially those of Dalit women, criss-crossing from within their own community, to inform us of the various experiences of Dalits. Just like the rough regional terrain, so the Dalit women in this region lead very harsh and difficult lives.
