Dalit Movement

There are several theories that explain the creation of the caste system in India. The social-historical theory dates back thousands of years, when Aryans arrived in present-day India. From central Asia, they conquered the Dravidians of India and forced upon them their social organization. The society was divided into separate groups, called castes. Once a person was in a caste, he would be in it forever; marry in the caste, work in the caste, and live in the caste.

There are four Varnas, or colors, which all castes fall under. The Brahmins were the priests, teachers, and judges. The Kshatriyas were the warriors who were to protect the people and fight enemies. Vaisyas were the merchant class. Finally, the Shudras were the laborers who served as servants to the other three classes. Separate of this Varna system, a fifth category, now called the Dalits, exists. They were "excluded from the classified social hierarchy and undertook the polluting tasks."

Even in modern times, the Dalits are considered polluting, and were once called the "untouchables" because if one were to touch them or even touch their shadow, they would be contaminated and have to go through a cleansing spiritual ritual. When the British ruled India from the middle of the eighteenth century till the middle of the twentieth, they sought to create a list of the three thousand (estimated) castes. The untouchables were given the name the "Depressed Classes" and the "Scheduled Castes". Under the Indian constitution today,

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are terms still used.

In 1947, India gained their independence from Britain. When they wrote their new constitution, they abolished the system of castes and created something known as the reservation system which reserves government jobs for members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In Part III-Fundamental Rights-Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, it is clearly stated that "discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth is prohibited", and Article 16 states that "equality of opportunity in matters of employment" is obligatory. Despite what is said in the constitution, the caste system exists heavily. Better enforcement and help from the State needs to exist to educate the Dalits and prevent and do away with castes.

Unfortunately, many Dalits are still fighting for their liberties as clearly stated in the Constitution. It is estimated that 25%, or one in four Indians are Dalits. The main problem for their lack of advancement stems from the fact that Dalits are poor, deprived and