A new crowdfunding anthology entitled The Blast Book of Anti-Caste SF aims to redefine speculative fiction by focusing on anti-caste narratives. Scheduled for publication by Chennai-based Blaft later this year, this collection promises to include both established and emerging writers and to shed light on often overlooked perspectives.
At the forefront of this initiative is R. Talitha Samuel, who conceived the anthology to address the lack of representation of Dalit and Adivasi voices in speculative fiction. “Almost all published speculative fiction, at least in English, is by upper-caste people; there is very little representation of Dalit or Adivasi writers,” says Rakesh Khanna, editor-in-chief of Blaft.
Explaining the historical context of anti-caste literature, Samuel cites Ravidas, the 15th century poet-saint who envisioned a casteless society. His imaginary city of Begumpura represents a utopia without pain and suffering and embodies the essence of anti-caste aspirations.
The release of the anthology embodies more than just creativity; it is also about political representation. “Speculative fiction asks questions and does not assume that mainstream narratives can go unquestioned,” Samuel notes, emphasizing the genre’s power to challenge established narratives.
This wave of anti-caste speculative fiction is necessary, argues author Rahee Punyashloka, because it is directly linked to current social dynamics. Punyashloka supports the anthology’s mission and points out the intertwining of the caste system with the country’s vision for the future.
The anthology includes translations from various regional languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Gujarati, Hindi and Marathi. This linguistic diversity not only represents the inclusion of different narratives, but also the appeal to different cultural backgrounds.
Samuel managed to surpass the crowdfunding goal for the publication within just four days of its release. This rapid public support indicates a strong community interest and recognition for these voices that are often marginalized in mainstream literature.
The anthology’s contributions include works by celebrated authors as well as new talents, showcasing the depth of narratives available. Stories like Gautamiputra Kamble’s ‘Parivrajak’ and Neerav Patel’s ‘Robot No. SC5’ stand out, offering unique cultural insights mixed with speculative elements.
A notable aspect of the anthology is the overlay of traditional storytelling with modern speculative tropes. This innovative interplay creates narratives in which authors can explore futuristic themes through the lens of caste, allowing for new interpretations of ancient stories.
Translators play a key role in ensuring that these stories reach a wider audience. Bengaluru-based Divya Kalavala talks about her role, noting that “Dalit literature has undergone its own evolution” and emphasising the ability of speculative fiction to create futuristic narratives centred on Dalit identity.
The anthology also aims to show readers the transformative power of speculative fiction, showing how the genre offers both escape and reflection, allowing writers to challenge societal norms in creative ways.
With contributions from a variety of styles, including comics, the anthology promises to offer something for every taste. This multi-layered approach is intended not only to entertain, but also to stimulate thought about the social structures surrounding the caste system.
Samuel’s vision for the anthology goes beyond a mere collection; it represents a movement to destabilize hierarchical narratives. With deep roots in Dalit and Adivasi communities, it hopes to inspire new generations of writers and readers.
Ideas of freedom and the exploration of alternative futures are evident in all the selected works. Each piece of writing has the potential to redefine the boundaries of what speculative fiction can include in Indian narratives.
This anthology is both a recognition and celebration of underrepresented voices. Through the lens of speculative fiction, it seeks to authenticate and validate experiences that are deeply rooted in the sociopolitical fabric of society.
Through the mix of voices, themes and creativity The Blast Book of Anti-Caste SF embarks on what may be the next frontier of literary exploration. The haunting narratives will not only entertain but also provoke readers to rethink the connections between caste, identity and speculative storytelling.
This work reveals the potential of storytelling as a vehicle for social change and collective reckoning, inviting readers to imagine a future in which caste no longer determines a person’s identity or opportunities.
