Book Description

Dalits, the downtrodden sections of our society are a unique Indian entity that we do not find in any other country or nation in the world. The Dalits are a part and parcel of our social fabric and the nation can not really progress unless this vast section develops along with others. Dalits in India, as a social group, have their own identity. In fact, as a community, they are still to have been discovered and explored. This community deserves fair conduct from the nation, polity and society. The word, Dalit, as per Oxford Dictionary means, a member of the lowest caste, however, it is now used as a term for the Scheduled Castes in our country. Dalit is relatively a new term, while Scheduled Caste is a statutory term, used for those castes, which have been included in a particular schedule in our Constitution. The Government has special plans and schemes for the upliftment of the Dalits and various non-governmental voluntary organizations are also committed to serving them. But, it is a long journey and every sane and responsible citizen has to contribute his or her bit. This comprehensive, compact and authentic book is an asset for all social activists, anthropologists, other scholars, researchers and general readers. Table of Contents Preface v 1. Origin of Dalit System 1 Shudra, as a Term • Supremacy of Religion • Religious Impact • Role of Language • Ambedkar on Scene • Social Change 2. Historical Backdrop 17 Puranas’ Tradition • Ancient Times • Medieval Period • British Period • Inter-caste Relationship • Victimisation of the Downtrodden • Case for Reservation • New Trends • Dalits, through Times 3. Earlier Dalit Movements 47 Bhakti Movement • Eknath’s Movement • Phule’s Movement • Mahar Movement 4. Later Dalit Movements 119 Major Division • Early Efforts • Political Organisations • Ambedkar’s Movement • Role of Mahatma Gandhi • Movements after Independence 5. Dalit Education 245 Position in the Past • Lack of Education • Literacy Movement • Difficulties in Education • Role of Education in Society • Unemployment Problem • Scope for Employment • Effect on Economy 6. Social Change 275 Change in Society • Different Approaches • Social Issues • New Social Trends • Mobility for Better • Social Drawbacks • Social Welfare • Social Liberty 7. Statutory Protection 309 The Backdrop • Fundamental Rights • Social Justice • Right of Equality • Protection by Law Bibliography 329 Index 339