The Dalit Movement

Over a million people continue to suffer discrimination, degrading treatment, and violence because of caste association. The caste system is based on structural inequalities between high and low cast untouchables involving social isolation and exclusion from participation in social, political, and economic developments of society.Dr. Susan Bayly, an expert in the field, defines caste as not the

People are born into the caste of their parents and are not allowed to cross into another one. They are also expected to marry in the same caste. The unequal distribution of money, influence, pain and suffering are seen as a natural consequence for ones previous actions, both in this life and in previous lives. Hindus can be reborn at a higher level through pure acts, good thoughts and devotion. They can also be reborn at a lower level through bad deeds. It is even possible to be reborn as an animal. Arizona State University (2004) lists the five social castes. They are: Brahmins (priests and academics); Kshatriyas (military); Vaishyas (farmers and merchants); Sudras (peasants and servants); and Harijan (outcasts or untouchables).

Firstly, the caste system reflects the inequality of Indian society. Although religion in India is characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices, majority of Indian population follow Hinduism. Therefore, the dominance of Hinduism beliefs is common in India. There is a belief in caste system, as Brood said, “a system of hierarchical social organization”1. Hindu society is divided into four main classes; the priestly class, the warrior and administrator class, the producer class who is farmers and merchants and the servant class. The remaining group of people who is “outcastes” is called “untouchables” or dalit. Brodd recognizes “dalits continue to suffer terrible oppression, especially in rural communities in India”. I still could not imagine how terrible this bottom class suffers until reading Max Bearak article. All sufferings of Rohith Vemula, from the hardships of growing up poor, interactions with society in caste to scholarship revoke and suicide, happened tragically because he was born in a dalit family. This is the

Although the caste system was a social structure, it helped stabilize India’s political foundation. Based on the citizen’s profession, the caste defined their social standing. This system contained 5 main levels; the Brahmans were the priest, highest of the caste, they ruled and ordered by telling the lower castes what to do, helping to govern the region with their significant knowledge of their religion. Next came the Kshatriya who were the

Untouchability as claimed by the Indian government is said to be abandoned 60 years ago, however still 40% of Dalits are illiterate (Around 70 million). This tells us that the caste system unfortunately still exists. The caste system is a system of class and hierarchy, it divides people in terms of classes called castes which usually determines their status in the community and therefor their livelihoods. The caste system still exists and if not constitutionally definitely socially. The caste system presence keeps different communities separated, lowers national GDP (Economic activity/development), discriminates against those of the lower caste, slows the development procedure and creates unlimited social consequences.

Mahatma Gandhi enacted change by striving to end racial injustice. He did this to show that anyone of any race or religion should have equal rights. According to “Satyagraha: Gandhi’s Legacy”, it states, “Gandhi developed his philosophy of “Satyagraha,” or resistance through non-violent civil disobedience to defend his rights and the rights of all Indians and non-whites” (Studysync Editors). Gandhi himself had been faced with discrimination. However, instead of ignoring the situation, Gandhi took a stand and did what was right to ensure equality among all people. The Studysync Editors stay, “As had been the case in the southern United States, Indians and other non-white people were forced to ride at the back of trains, use separate facilities, and were treated as second-class citizens. Gandhi believed that this was wrong”. With his opinions in mind, Gandhi decided to get his beliefs out by starting non-violent protest. As the leader he was, he lead many protests that included: unfair taxes and oppressive discrimination, as well as alleviating poverty, helping in the women’s liberation movement, and ending caste discrimination. Studysync Editors wrote, “Gandhi's work inspired large-scale global change. Resistance to British involvement in South Africa and in India helped to inspire a movement of decolonization all over the world. Several political and spiritual leaders were inspired by Gandhi's work…”. Gandhi’s influence to the civilization was a huge turning point for those of the non-white race. By his assiduous act and hope of impact, Gandhi didn’t just catch the eye of the discriminated but also the attention of others. Mahatma Gandhi is remembered today as one of the most

groups. It is a system inspired by Hindu scriptures in what the leaders wanted to create a society where jobs and functions were assigned to specific classes. These classes include the highest class, Brahmin made of those who are priests and educated individuals, Kshatriyas otherwise known as the warrior caste, Vaishya this was the trade and commerce class, Shudras, unskilled laborers; the agricultural or manual labor class. This class also includes all others who do not fit into any of the other classes but not to include the “untouchables”. The untouchables are not a caste class they are the rock-bottom of social order. The untouchables or Dalit, are those who are assigned and are forced into occupations that are unclean, defiling or are not members of the caste system, the lowest of the low. It is a handicap to be an untouchable in the eyes of

A social movement is defined as “an organization, sustained, and collective efforts that make claims on behalf of members of a group.” The main goal of social movements is to challenge the power of the government officials and contest the legitimacy of established ideas or practices. A social movement allows for the voiceless to have a voice and fight for change in their civil society. With India having such a big and diverse population it seems that a strong collective voice from the people could enact change in the government. Throughout history time and time

Carty defines social movements are neither a riot nor electoral politics, but collective of people resistance against elite opponents/power with a common purpose. Social movements are shaped by the technology available at the time and the tactics that the movement would use. (Carty, 2013, p. 6-7; Thomas, 1996, p. 581). Even if Castells is considered part of the 'new social movement' concept, he remains closer to Marxist ideology to understand better social movements. Castells has both from the old and new school of thought. In this decade many social movements are social and political conflicts with the new social movement thought. However, relative deprivation concept developed from a Marxist ideology. When one feels deprived of something

The Caste System was a structure that separated the poor and the rich. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and the Untouchable are the five level of the structure. The Caste System determined where you belong by his/her birth. The reason Caste system began was a theory called the Indo-Aryan. Separating people

India has an ancient caste system that separates Hindus into different classes. The Untouchables are below the 4 caste categories and are treated terribly. They are denied many jobs, and on a daily basis men and women are assaulted. The world Social Forum was made aware of the situation, yet not much has changed. Mahila Jagruthi is an untouchable women, otherwise known as a Dalit who has informed the world through her paper Commodification of Women Due to Imperialist Globalization.The protest so far has not resulted in a fair system. Most forms of protest are non violent. The resistance is found through forums, and world organizations. Many Dalits work to help the situation by going directly to government officials. Jagruthi wrote her paper

In the Book of Manu, the caste system is broken down into 5 levels. The first level or top level is the Brahmins, the priest and scholars of the Hindu faith. The second level is the Kshatiyas, the warriors and rulers of the Hindu people. Vaishyas is the third level of people, these are the merchants and landowners. These top three levels in the caste system are people that are twice born. The term twice born means they are permitted to participant in the Hindu life, and all that it entitles. Members of this group can be recognized by the cord that is looped around their shoulder. The Shudra is the fourth level of the castle system; they make up the workers on behalf of the top three levels. Finally, the fifth group are the Dalits, these are the untouchables of the caste system. These people are intrinsically unclean and if the can find work, it is the the jobs that are thought to defiling. The caste system was set up as a way to ensure that people could focus on one job and not have to worry about other activities, such as if a person was a banker he would have to worry about making horse shoes for his horse. With all things that was intended for good, the caste system has turned out bad, by keep the two low levels from ever being able to improve their status. In the article “Untouchability and Social Exclusion in Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things” by

The Caste System has four different types of groups where the groups have different meanings and people don’t get to choose which type of group they want, because they are born into it. This system had a lot of people suffering, because they didn’t have any freedom to do what they want or be what they wanted. Brahmins belong to the highest caste. They are priests and scholars. Kshatryas are soldiers and warriors. Vaisyas are merchants and professionals. Sudras are the lowest cast. They are labors and

The caste system is a widely accepted form of oppression. Traditionally the oppression was unseen, with the modernization of the world in the last century the system and its oppression has come to light. While many people do see the oppression, it rarely gets mentioned due to the traditional beliefs that have been in practice for thousands of years. The modernization of not only the culture, but the Hindu beliefs, have encourage the oppression even more so than tradition with the increased political influences.

The first part of this paper discusses what the caste system is and will discuss the disadvantages of the caste system and how the caste system segregates its people instead of bringing them stability. The caste system really dates back to somewhere in the 2000 BC and formed its origins from the Aryans in ancient India. This system was a way to basically separated people into social classes where they would best fit them (Funk and Wagnall). The caste is divided into four Varna: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras. Brahmins sit at the top of the ladder and is made up of spiritual and intellectual individuals such as priest and philosophers. A step down the ladder you will find Kshatriyas which is made up of soldiers and nobles. Under Kshatriyas you will a mix match of craftsman, farmers, and different skilled artisans which make up the Vaisyas class. At the very bottom of the caste ladder you will