The word “Dalit” is derived from the Sanskrit root “dal”, which means broken, crushed, oppressed, or exploited.
In the Nepali context, it refers to those communities or groups who have been oppressed by so-called upper classes and castes and deprived of dignity.
In English, it is often described as downtrodden, oppressed from the very beginning, or depressed class.
Origin of the term “Dalit”
The term is believed to have originated from the Marathi language spoken in the Maharashtra region of India. Social reformer Jyotirao Phule (1827–1890), who led campaigns for the abolition of the caste system and education of the Shudra community, is credited with first using the term “Dalit.”
Use of the term “Dalit”
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956), known as the architect of the Indian Constitution, played a key role in establishing the term socially, politically, and legally while fighting for the rights of Shudras, women, and workers.
Initially, he used the term “untouchables,” but later popularized “Dalit” as a more representative term.
Who are Dalits?
The Hindu caste system was originally a division of labor during ancient times (around 3500–1500 BC). Over time, it evolved from division of labor into division of laborers, becoming a rigid social hierarchy.
This system consists of four main groups: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. Hindu texts, especially the Manusmriti, clearly define social status, duties, and rights based on caste.
The Shudra group, which is the lowest in the hierarchy, traditionally consisted of skilled, hardworking communities engaged in various occupations. Over time, due to social, religious, and political oppression, this group was marginalized, exploited, and labeled as “untouchable,” later referred to as Dalits.
Positive aspects of the term “Dalit”
- The term reflects the history of oppression, discrimination, and struggle.
- It unites diverse communities (different castes, regions, languages, and cultures) under a common identity to fight for rights and justice.
Negative aspects
- Some people associate the term with economic or social inferiority, leading to stigma and disrespect.
- Some Dalit leaders feel that the term reinforces a sense of inferiority and are searching for alternative names.
For further reading, you can refer to the book “Dalit Liberation in the Shadow of Political Revolution” by Jhalak Bishwakarma, which critically analyzes social conditions and structures.
