WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The term Dalit is a self-applied concept for those called the “untouchables” and others that were outside of the traditional Hindu caste hierarchy.

Detailed explanation-2: -The caste system, as it actually works in India is called jati. The term jati appears in almost all Indian languages and is related to the idea of lineage or kinship group.

Detailed explanation-3: -The root of caste is the Latin castus, which means “chaste” or “pure, separated.” The word arrived in English through the Portuguese casta, which means “race” or “lineage, ‘’ and was first used in the 1700s in reference to Hinduism’s system of social stratification.

Detailed explanation-4: -The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories-Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation.

Detailed explanation-5: -Dalit is a term that people belonging to so called lower castes use to address themselves. They prefer this word to ‘untouchable’.