Who Are the Dalits?
The Dalits are a social group that is traditionally considered to be at the bottom of the Hindu caste system in India. They were previously known as "untouchables" because they were considered to be impure and were not allowed to interact with members of higher castes.
Dalits are typically considered to be economically and socially disadvantaged, and they have historically faced discrimination and marginalization in Indian society. Today, the term "Dalit" is often used as a self-identifier by people who were previously considered to be untouchables, and it has become a political and social movement for their rights and welfare.
India's Untouchables
The term "untouchables" is commonly used to refer to the Dalits, a social group that is traditionally considered to be at the bottom of the Hindu caste system in India. The caste system is a hierarchical social structure in which people are grouped based on their birth and occupation, and the Dalits are considered to be the lowest caste. They were considered to be impure and were not allowed to interact with members of higher castes, and they were often subjected to discrimination and violence.
The Untouchables were traditionally assigned to jobs considered polluting or ritually impure and were not allowed to enter temples use public wells, or access education. They were forced to live in separate areas and made to do jobs like cleaning and scavenging.
In modern India, the term "Dalit" is often used as a self-identifier by people who were previously considered to be untouchables, and it has become a political and social movement for their rights and welfare. Despite the government's efforts and laws to end discrimination, the Dalits continue to face discrimination and violence in various ways.
Why They Were "Untouchable"
The Dalits, also known as "untouchables," were considered to be impure and were not allowed to interact with members of higher castes in traditional Hindu society because the caste system believes in ritual purity and pollution. The caste system is a hierarchical social structure in which people are grouped based on their birth and occupation, and the Dalits were considered to be the lowest caste.
Traditionally, the Dalits were assigned to jobs that were considered to be polluting or ritually impure, such as cleaning and handling dead animals, and were not allowed to enter temples, use public wells, or access education. This association with impurity led to the belief that physical contact with Dalits would defile or pollute members of higher castes.
Additionally, the caste system's rigid social hierarchy and the belief in karma and reincarnation reinforced the idea that Dalits were inherently impure and deserved their low status. This notion of impurity and pollution was used to justify their marginalization and exclusion from mainstream society, leading to the discrimination and violence they have faced historically and continue to face in modern India.
Reform and the Dalit Rights Movement
The Dalit rights movement is a social and political movement that aims to end the discrimination and marginalization faced by the Dalits, also known as "untouchables," in India. The movement has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Dalit leaders began to organize and advocate for the rights and welfare of their community.
The Indian government has made efforts to end discrimination and improve the lives of Dalits through various laws and policies. In the 1950s, the Indian Constitution was amended to include provisions for affirmative action, which provided reserved seats in government jobs and educational institutions for Dalits and other disadvantaged groups. The Indian government also passed laws to criminalize discrimination against Dalits and created programs to promote their economic and social welfare.
Despite these efforts, discrimination and violence against Dalits continue to be a problem in India. The Dalit rights movement has continued to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of Dalits, particularly in the areas of education, employment, and political representation. The movement has also focused on addressing the underlying societal attitudes and beliefs that contribute to the discrimination and marginalization of Dalits.
Today, the Dalit rights movement is a diverse and multifaceted movement that encompasses a wide range of organizations, activists, and individuals who are working towards the empowerment of Dalits and an end to discrimination against them.
Who are Dalits why are they called so?
Dalits is a self-designation that refers to a group of people who are traditionally considered to be at the bottom of the Hindu caste system in India. They were previously known as "untouchables" because they were considered to be impure and were not allowed to interact with members of higher castes.
The word "Dalit" comes from the Sanskrit word "Dalit," which means "broken" or "oppressed." It was first used by B. R. Ambedkar, a Dalit leader and the main architect of the Indian Constitution, to refer to the Dalit community in the early 20th century. The term is now widely used as a self-identifier by people who were previously considered to be untouchables and it has become a political and social movement for their rights and welfare.
What are the main problems of Dalits?
Dalits, also known as "untouchables," are a group of people who are traditionally considered to be at the bottom of the Hindu caste system in India. They have historically faced discrimination and marginalization in Indian society, and continue to face a range of problems today. Some of the main problems faced by Dalits include:
Economic Disadvantage:
Dalits are often confined to low-paying and menial jobs, with limited access to education and skills training. This leads to a cycle of poverty and economic disadvantage that is difficult to break.
Social Discrimination:
Dalits are often subject to social discrimination and exclusion, including segregation in housing, restricted access to public spaces, and discrimination in access to services such as healthcare and education.
Violence and Atrocities:
Dalits are often victims of violence and atrocities, including physical and sexual abuse, murder, and land grabbing. The perpetrators of these crimes often go unpunished, due to issues such as corruption, lack of political will, and societal attitudes that view Dalits as inferior.
Political Underrepresentation:
Dalits are underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making, despite laws and policies that provide for reserved seats in government jobs and educational institutions.
Attitude and Caste-based biases:
Dalits continue to face attitudes and biases based on the caste system, which reinforces their marginalization and exclusion from mainstream society.
These problems are not just limited to rural areas but are also prevalent in urban areas and most of the time are interconnected. The Dalit rights movement is working towards addressing these issues and empowering the Dalit community through various efforts such as raising awareness, advocating for their rights and welfare, and addressing the underlying societal attitudes and beliefs that contribute to the discrimination and marginalization of Dalits.
Read More-
- Who is Called a Social Reformer?
- Women's rights
- Caste System - Definition, Work, Importance, Advantage & Features
- Who Are the Dalits?
