1Research Scholar, Department of Political Science and Development Administration, Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed University, Gandhigram, Dindigul – 624302
2Professor, Department of Political Science and Development Administration, Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed University, Gandhigram, Dindigul – 624302
Online published on 22 March, 2016.
The current study focuses on the co-existence among sub classes of Dalits. There are three major sub-classes among Dalits in Tamil Nadu and they are known as Pallar, Paraiyar and Aruntahthiyar. Here Pallar is the dominating class. Next to pallar, Paraiyar ranks second place in hierarchy and Arunthathiyar occupies last place. Though the Dalits are discriminated and dominated by upper caste people alike, there is no unity among Dalits. Union is strength but there is no unity among Dalits. This is the reason why the upper caste people are easily dominating and discriminating against Dalits. Following caste hierarchy Dalits are first oppressed by among themselves and by upper caste people.
Pallar, Paraiyar, Arunththiyar, caste hierarchy among Dalits, Discrimination
