Memoir examines caste oppression and resilience in Dalit communities, highlighting memory and identity.
Yogesh Maitreya’s Water in a Broken Pot offers a piercing exploration of caste oppression, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. Set against the enduring realities of caste violence in contemporary India, Maitreya’s memoir delves into his personal and familial experiences, illustrating the intergenerational trauma and silences imposed by a caste-stratified society. Anchored by the evocative metaphor of the “broken pot,” the narrative captures the fragmented identities and unrealized potential of Dalits, weaving together themes of memory, identity, and resistance. Maitreya’s reflections on his father’s struggles, the influence of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s writings, and a scathing critique of popular culture underscore the systemic nature of caste oppression while celebrating the resilience of marginalized communities. The memoir transforms silence into defiance, offering a profound call to action against Brahminical hegemony and systemic inequalities. With its lyrical prose and raw authenticity, Water in a Broken Pot challenges readers to confront their complicity within casteist structures and envision a future rooted in justice, dignity, and social transformation. This work stands as a testament to the enduring power of memory and narrative in reclaiming erased histories and amplifying silenced voices.
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Das et al. (2025) studied this question.