Dalit
India's marginalized group
Dalit refers to members of the lowest-ranking groups in the traditional Hindu caste system, historically called "untouchables." The term, meaning "oppressed" or "broken" in Sanskrit, was adopted as an assertion of identity and dignity by those subjected to caste-based discrimination.
Dalits faced severe social restrictions—exclusion from temples, wells, and occupations considered respectable.
Though caste discrimination is now illegal in India, social and economic disparities persist: Dalit activists have fought for equal access to education.
Exempt from criticism or harm
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- caste systemHereditary class division
- social exclusionDenial of societal participation
marginalization · reservation · atrocity · segregation · conversion · Buddhism · emancipation · upliftment
Satisfaction from one's achievements
- assertionConfident statement of fact
- dignityInnate personal worth
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- solidarityUnity among allies
movement · awakening · consciousness · literature · poetry · autobiography · activism · self-respect
untouchable
Exempt from criticism or harm
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- caste systemHereditary class division
social exclusion · marginalization · reservation · atrocity · segregation · conversion · Buddhism · emancipation · upliftment
pride
Satisfaction from one's achievements
- assertionConfident statement of fact
- dignityInnate personal worth
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
solidarity · movement · awakening · consciousness · literature · poetry · autobiography · activism · self-respect · empowerment
DalitBrahman
Supreme cosmic reality
upper caste · twice-born · dvija · touchable · high-born
Dalitelite
Superior select group
upper class · privileged · oppressor · landed gentry · feudal lord