The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables

The term "Untouchables" refers to a group of people in traditional Hindu society who were considered to be outside the fourfold caste system. They were historically referred to as Dalits, which means "oppressed" or "broken," and were assigned tasks that were considered polluting or impure, such as working with dead bodies, cleaning latrines, or handling leather. As a result, they were excluded from mainstream Hindu society and subjected to severe social discrimination and exclusion.

1. Origins of the Untouchables

The origins of the Untouchables can be traced back to the development of the caste system (known as the Varna system) in ancient India. According to Hindu religious texts, society was divided into four main categories (Varnas):

• Brahmins: Priests, teachers, and scholars.
• Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers.
• Vaishyas: Merchants and landowners.
• Shudras: Laborers and service providers.

These categories were theoretically hierarchical, with Brahmins at the top and Shudras at the bottom. Over time, the system became more rigid and complex, and people who didn’t fit into any of these categories were relegated to an even lower status. They were considered to be "outcasts," and later came to be known as Untouchables or Dalits.

2. Why They Became Untouchables

The emergence of the Untouchables as a distinct and marginalized group can be attributed to a combination of factors:

• Pollution and Purity: In Hindu society, ideas of purity and pollution were central to social organization. People who worked with or touched materials considered impure (such as animal carcasses, waste, or leather) were seen as polluting, and thus, their touch was believed to pollute others. This led to the exclusion of those performing such tasks from the rest of society.

• Religious Teachings: Some religious texts and interpretations of Hinduism reinforced the idea that those outside the four Varnas were impure. The Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu law code, prescribed severe punishments for those who associated with lower castes or Untouchables, reinforcing their social exclusion.

• Economic and Social Factors: Over time, the roles of Untouchables became institutionalized. Many were assigned to jobs considered menial or degrading, such as handling dead bodies, scavenging, or dealing with human waste. These roles were deemed essential but "low," which reinforced their exclusion from society.

• Social Stratification and Power: As the caste system became entrenched, those in power sought to maintain their dominance over lower groups. By labeling certain groups as "Untouchable," the higher castes could justify their treatment as subhuman or inferior.

3. Social Impact

Being an Untouchable meant enduring widespread discrimination. They were often denied access to public spaces, including temples, schools, wells, and even roads. They were forced to live in segregated neighborhoods, far from the rest of the community. The social stigma surrounding them led to physical and emotional abuse, and they were denied basic human rights.

4. Legal and Social Reforms

The situation of the Untouchables began to change, especially during the British colonial period and after India gained independence in 1947. Key reforms included:

• B.R. Ambedkar: A prominent leader of the Dalits and the principal architect of India's Constitution, Ambedkar fought against the discrimination and social exclusion of Dalits. He emphasized the need for legal rights and social equality for all, including the Untouchables.

• The Indian Constitution: After independence, India's Constitution, adopted in 1950, abolished untouchability and discrimination based on caste. Article 17 specifically states that untouchability is illegal and punishable by law. This gave Dalits legal rights and protection against caste-based discrimination.

5. Contemporary Situation

While untouchability was legally abolished, caste-based discrimination still persists in some parts of India, especially in rural areas. Many Dalits continue to face social and economic hardships, although there have been significant improvements in education, employment, and political representation. Programs like reservations (affirmative action) have been introduced to help Dalits and other marginalized groups gain better access to education, jobs, and political opportunities.