The term ‘Dalit’ is from Marathi language, literally means “the broken and oppressed”. Arya Samaj, a hindu reform movement and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar were the first to use this term to designate the members of formerly untouchable castes. Dalits were excluded from the four-fold Varna system and they formed the unmentioned fifth Varna, and so were also called Panchama. While Scheduled Castes (SC) is the legal term for those who were formerly known as "untouchables", the term Dalit also encompasses Scheduled Tribes (ST) and other historically disadvantaged communities who were traditionally excluded from the society.
Dalits are a mixed population, consisting of groups across South Asia. In India, the status of Dalits is associated with their occupation. They are regarded as ritually impure, as they do leatherwork, butchering or removal of rubbish, animal carcasses and human waste. Dalits work as manual labourers cleaning streets, latrines and sewers.
Christian missioneries, Dalit, Hindu, Socio-religious, Social activities
