Untouchables

Historically, Untouchables, also known as Dalits, were the lowest social class in the Hindu caste system, considered ritually impure and subjected to severe discrimination and social exclusion. This segregation involved restrictions on their access to temples, public spaces, and interactions with higher castes. The term, while often used, carries negative connotations, and the preferred term by many is Dalit, meaning "broken" or "oppressed." Their position resulted in significant economic hardship and denial of basic human rights, reflecting a systemic injustice rooted in religious and social hierarchies. Modern laws outlaw caste-based discrimination, yet prejudice and inequality persist in many areas of life, including employment and education.

Untouchables meaning with examples

• In colonial India, the British government attempted to improve the condition of the untouchables, creating separate schools and reserved seats, but many resisted, clinging to the old caste system. These efforts were criticized by Hindu conservatives for what was seen as an infringement on religious and social customs, causing societal friction and resistance to change.
• Mahatma Gandhi, while supporting the removal of 'Untouchability', opposed the creation of separate electorates, emphasizing the need to integrate them into the broader Hindu society, and his campaign for social reform advocated for the abolition of caste-based segregation and promoting equality.
• The struggle for Dalit rights has led to numerous social movements and political mobilizations, demanding equality and fighting against the continued discrimination they face, including caste-based violence and economic marginalization, and fighting to dismantle centuries-old systemic oppression.
• Even today, reports surface of discrimination against Dalits, demonstrating the ongoing need for awareness campaigns and governmental enforcement of anti-discrimination laws to combat persistent societal biases and protect the rights of an especially vulnerable population group.