Dalit social action in India: A Review

Abstract

Indian history is closely intertwined with the caste system, as well as religious divisions. According to the Manusmriti, the scriptures explain the origins of the caste system and each caste's responsibilities, but they fail to illuminate how and why untouchability emerged. The Manusmriti teaches that people with impure wombs are considered untouchable, and thus, the ranks of the untouchable castes arose from a blend of the various pure Varna colours. In the perspective of traditional Hindus, this may be adequate, but for social scientists, something is missing. However, it's also undeniable that the most ruthless and humiliating jobs were handed out to these individuals under a system of structural discrimination. No one answer to this question has been agreed upon. The many solutions offered all fit together with diverse religious beliefs and historical knowledge interpretations.