Âêßü-׊ط¤æÜèÙ ÖæÚUÌ ×ð´ ¥ÀêÌ

The history of India has a bleak part of untouchables’ misery. Untouchables formed the lowest strata in the hierarchy of society. Even the shadow of "untouchable" people was advised to be avoided by some scriptures and texts. This paper is a study of "untouchables" in the pre-medieval India. This time has recorded an increase in the number of castes which were believed to be "untouchables". Their status in the society further deteriorated in this era. The tasks which they could do were predecided and no job mobility was allowed. At some places in the texts of this time period, we notice same treatment for the women too. During the menstruation, a woman was particularly treated like an untouchable. However, the texts also provide exceptions when the contact with the untouchables won't be treated polluting. This treatment was perhaps the reason that many people coming from the "untouchable" castes converted to the religions where they received egalitarian treatment.