Untouchability

As mentioned today in lecture, at the end of the novel Bakha is presented with three options for how to change. One option that is presented by the poet is to progress technologically. He says, “…when we accept the machine…the flush system. Then the sweepers can be free from the stigma of untouchability…” (pg.155). I found this interesting that others, such as the poet, that were not untouchables accepted the fact that they did not touch them do to performing a degrading job. This is similar to what Bakha said earlier in the novel when he said “…because we touch dung” (pg.52) they are untouchable. It is interesting that the poet believes that changing technology would change the degradation of the untouchables. Would this really change though since the caste system is based on religious beliefs? Won’t the Hindus still believe that they will be polluted, not due to a physical contamination, but due to a spiritual one? It seems more of an issue within societal norms rather than a lack of technology.