Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Submitted To:
DR. AVINASH SAMAL
(Faculty of Political Science)
Submitted By:
Parth Chandra
[B.A LL.B (Hons.), Semester- I, Roll No: 84]
Parth Chandra
Roll No: 84
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
It is a doctrinal thesis the researcher had mainly dependent on reading and net based
works. The Thoughts reflected are in analyzing the same. The Methodology Implied is
more of Empirical Nature.
Objectives:
1. The unit deals with the study of time when Dalit movement
started in India. Jyotiba Phule was one of the prominent social
reformers who led the movement against the caste restrictions
in India.
Research Methodology 3
Objectives 4
Introduction
10
Conclusions
11
Bibliography
12
Introduction
Dalit is a self-designation for a group of people traditionally regarded as of lower class and
unsuitable for making personal relations. The word ‘Dalit’ comes from the Marathi Language,
and means “grounded”,”crushed”,”broken to pieces”. Mahatma Gandhi used the term Harijan
instead of using the word Dalit. Harijan means Children of God. The Govt. of India in its 2008
National Commission for Schedule Caste observed that the term Dalit is unconstitutional and
hence forth ordered an immediate stop on its usage. Jyotibha Phule was a pioneer in this
movement. Dalit Movement was supported by many Great leaders. Prominent leaders like Dr.
B.R Ambedkar dedicated his life fighting against caste-oppression and fought to raise standards
of Dalits.Dr B.R Ambedkar renounced his Hindu religion and converted to Buddhism which is
know as world’s largest conversion till date.
Jyotiba Phule as a Social Reformer
Jyotiba Phule was one of the prominent social reformers of the nineteenth century India. He led
the movement against the prevailing caste restrictions in India. He revolted against the
domination of Brahmins and for the rights of peasants and other low-caste fellow. In 1851, He
opened a school exclusively for these low caste segment. He also attacked the orthodox
Brahmins and other upper castes and termed them as “Hypocrites”. He campaigned against the
authoritarianism of the upper caste people. He urged dalits to defy restrictions imposed on them.
Death
Jyotiba Phule devoted his entire life for liberalization of untouchables from the exploitation of
Brahmins. He revolted against the tyranny of upper castes. On November 28, 1890, this great
reformer passed away.
Social Status of Dalits
Dalit status has often been historically associated with occupations regarded as ritually impure,
such as any involving leather work, butchering, or removal of rubbish, animal carcasses and
waste. Dalits worked as manual labourers cleaning streets, latrines, and sewages. As these kind
of work were considered to be of polluted category so dalits were often ostracized from rest of
the society. Most of the dalits managed to move to the urban area where this caste differentiation
was less important. Dalits in villages did not have access to schools and sanitation places which
were common to all. They were even excluded from places of worship. E.g. Temples.
The dalit movement got great encouragement in Maharashtra. Dr. B.R Ambedkar was
responsible too give necessary support and encouragement to spark a dalit movement in
Maharashtra. In his memory ‘Diksha Bhoomi’ in Nagpur is built which is a pilgrimage of many
Buddhist worshippers.
Websites
www.indiatogether.com/dalits
Caste in Indian Politics
www.wikipedia.com
www.ambedkar.org
Self reading in Deekha Bhoomi
Outlook-Special edition on Caste