Who is lowest caste in India?

Dalit (from Sanskrit: दलित, romanized: dalita meaning “broken/scattered”, Hindi: दलित, romanized: dalit, same meaning) is a name for people belonging to the lowest stratum castes in India, previously characterised as “untouchable”.

What is the significance of Dalit?

Nagaraj is referring here to Ambedkar’s view that Dalits (untouchables) are not members of the Hindu religious community. They are the lowest social group in the hierarchical caste order of the Hindu religion. They have no right to enter the Hindu temples. Therefore, Dalits are a separate social group.

What are the main features of Dalit religion?

Dalits are by nature very religious and God fearing people but at the same time see religion as the embodiment of their social and cultural identity. Their sense of religious sentiment and pride go hand in hand as they believe that their religious inclination brings them self-dignity and self- respect.

What are the impacts of Dalit movement?

The most important result of dalit movement has been the conslidation of dalit identity. The pressure created by the mobilisation of the dalits has led to amelioration of their social condition.

What are the issues of Dalit movement in India?

Causes for Dalit movement: They were deprived of higher training of mind and were denied social-economic and political status. The division of labour led to their inequality and exploitation. The caste system degenerated Dalit life into pathogenic condition where occupations changed into castes.

Who is known as leader of Dalits?

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, (born April 14, 1891, Mhow, India—died December 6, 1956, New Delhi), leader of the Dalits (Scheduled Castes; formerly called untouchables) and law minister of the government of India (1947–51).

What is the situation of Dalits in India?

Very,very rarely are Dalits invited for any of the social activities that take place in caste Hindu communities. Such segregation and social discrimination of dalits in India is far more serious in the rural areas where the practise of caste is stronger, with Dalits being secluded even in their living quarters.

Are Dalits born below the caste system?

A Dalit actually is born below the caste system, which includes four primary castes: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriya (warriors and princes), Vaishya (farmers and artisans), and Shudra (tenant farmers and servants). A central feature of caste discrimination is the so-called “ untouchability practices ”.

What happens when Dalits challenge the untouchability practices?

If Dalits and other caste-affected groups challenge the untouchability practices, they often face violent sanctions and social boycott. Massive violations of human rights occur in relation to untouchability practices and other forms of caste-based discrimination.

How many people are affected by caste based discrimination in India?

Caste based discrimination in India overall has been around for thousands of years and according to International Dalit Solidarity Network it has affected around 260 million people. And many know for a fact that this needs to come to an end, including the Dalits.