“Dalit”, not a caste neither a label but a realization of experiences of humiliation, deprivation, abuse by upper caste people. Word “Dalit’ itself means suppressed, crushed or broken into pieces which quietly sums up the condition of Dalits. Dalits ,shudras and ati-shudras are the worst affected by the caste system which got Sanctification from Vedic scriptures of Hinduism/Brahmanism. B.R Ambedkar who was the strongest critique of these scriptures said: “CASTE IS A STATE OF MIND, IT IS DISEASE OF MIND, THE TEACHINGS OF HINDU RELIGION ARE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS DISEASE.”

In ancient India, the caste system was effectively practised, even in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata the stories of Shambuk and Eklavaya depict the caste discrimination and non-egalitarian society. These outcaste people were forced to perform occupations that are considered unclean and polluting, such as scavenging and skinning dead animals and were not allowed to enter temples, walk through houses of upper caste people. The rationale of sexual exploitation of Dalit women in scriptures conferred power in the hands of upper caste people to rape Dalit women without ramifications. The devadasi system is the prime example of how priests of temples sexually exploited these women in the name of god and this practice are still going on. Over three hundred years ago, the southern state of Kerala had a system of taxation “Mulakkaram” whereby women belonging to backward castes and Dalits had to pay a tax if they wanted to cover their breasts. Standing bare-chested was taken as a sign of respect towards those castes supposedly “superior” to them – for both men and women.

From Ancient India to modern India conditions haven’t changed that much even after providing safeguards in the constitution. Cases of atrocities against Dalits are on the rise. In every hour two Dalits are assaulted; every day three Dalit women are raped, two murdered and two torched. These numbers are not even close to the reality of crimes committed against them, as village panchayat heads, khaps, local govt officials are mostly from upper caste and they duly support this system. Many go unreported due to fear of uprisal, intimidation by police or simply that they will do nothing instead they will frame the victims, hurl abuses, beatings and rapes in police custody.

Recently after the dilution of sc/st act which was one of the safeguards against violence, Dalits organised a nationwide bandh which brought the nation to a halt. Don’t be confused that this protest was just against the dilution of act instead it was the result of simmering discontent of years, of humiliation and torture that reached the boiling point and erupted. In these situations one can expect govt to intervene and address the issues of the community seriously, but what can be expected from a govt which itself is an avid supporter of the caste system and proudly promotes the same. This insensitivity from the govt and its new prospect of Hindu Rashtra where constitution will be replaced with notorious laws of Manusmriti, which will confer power in upper caste people to commit acts of violence against Dalits is also a matter of great concern for Dalits. In these difficult times, like-minded people need to join hands and put up the united struggle against Brahmanical forces leaving selfish trivial issues behind. In this incessant struggle education, awareness and clarity of final goal are desirable even Ambedkar said: “If you provide education to lower strata of Indian society which is interested in blowing up of the caste system, the caste system will be blown up”. We must stand on our feet and fight as best as we can for our rights. So carry on your agitation and organise your forces, power prestige and dignity will come to you through struggle.

#DalitHistoryMonth

Author – Gagandeep Singh (E&C Engineer)

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