The meaning of Dalit
The term is mostly used for those that were considered untouchables
New Delhi: ‘Dalit’, meaning “oppressed” in ancient Sanskrit language, and “broken” in Hindi/Urdu, is a “defiant” self-chosen political name for the members of lower-castes in India.
The term is mostly used for the ones that have been subjected to untouchability. Though the name ‘Dalit’ has been in existence before, it was popularised by economist and reformer Dr B.R. Ambedkar in the 20th century.
Dalits were excluded from the four-fold Hindu caste system and formed the unmentioned fifth caste called ‘Panchama’ or untouchables. The use of the word ‘Dalit’ for a person or group has been outlawed, and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes considers official use of the label unconstitutional.
In India, the legal terms are “scheduled caste”, “other backward caste” or “scheduled tribe”. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes exist across India, and do not share a single language or religion. They make up 16.6 per cent of India’s population, according to the 2011 Census of India.
To prevent harassment, assault, discrimination and other criminal acts against these groups, the Indian government enacted the Prevention of Atrocity (POA) Act on March 31, 1995.
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