This special issue on Dalit literature is the first of its kind in a major English language journal. The editorial team of Dr Judith Misrahi-Barak, Professor K. Satyanarayana, and Dr Nicole Thiara are therefore proud to be able to introduce this area of literary studies to a wider audience. We are also aware that this collection of essays on Dalit literature can only highlight a limited number of concerns and critical approaches that constitute the fast-growing field of Dalit literary studies. Nevertheless, we consider this selection of essays both representative of key concerns and methodologies in this vibrant field, as well as indicative of new developments in the analysis of Dalit writing.