Echoes of Inequality: Class and Caste Dynamics in Adiga’s Portrait of Kittur

Abstract

The present paper explores the intricate dynamics of class and caste in Aravind Adiga's Between the Assassinations, focusing on the fictional town of Kittur as a microcosm of contemporary Indian society. Through a nuanced narrative structure that interweaves the stories of diverse characters, Adiga illustrates how systemic inequalities shape individual aspirations and experiences. The study situates caste as a pervasive barrier to social mobility, emphasizing its role as a mechanism of discrimination that perpetuates economic and social divides. The paper highlights the intersections of memory and trauma, demonstrating how historical injustices resonate through generations and inform the characters' realities. Additionally, it addresses the gendered dimensions of caste and class, showcasing how female characters navigate additional layers of oppression that complicate their social standing. The impact of globalization is also examined, revealing how the rise of a consumer culture in Kittur creates new class distinctions while exacerbating existing inequalities. Ultimately, this study underscores Adiga's narrative as both a reflection of societal realities and a call to confront the entrenched inequities that define life in India.