All about Indian castes. Who are the Indian untouchables and is it possible to touch them?

Do you know that there are untouchable castes? In modern India, most inter-caste differences are subtle. In large cities and settlements, people are no longer adhering to age-old rules of behavior that their ancestors treated with trepidation. However, despite the erasure of caste boundaries, traditions are still strong in this amazing country, which even members of the elite adhere to.

For example, marriages between representatives of different castes (classes) are strictly prohibited. The situation is even worse for those born in lower castes. Everyone who was destined to be born in India as a Shudra, even today experiences all the injustice of the universe.

Briefly about castes

The entire inflorescence of castes in the Indian community is united into four main varnas.

• Kshtarii.
• Vaishya.
• Shudras.
• Untouchables.

Among the people, untouchables are taken outside not only the caste system, but also outside the entire Indian society. But we, adhering to the letter of the law, classify the untouchables as sudras.

All representatives of the Shudras are people whose rights are violated. They get the most difficult and dirty work. Thus, lower shudras work in a narrow specialization (potters, peasants, carpenters, joiners, masons).

Peasants are considered representatives of pure sudras. Most of the kicks of fate fall on the backs of the untouchables. They were the ones who got the most unsightly professions in society. You know about the world famous.

Subcaste categories of untouchables

Since 1930, when the struggle for the rights of the untouchables began, the representatives of this caste have been given the name “Delites,” which means “oppressed.”

Representatives of this caste are still prohibited from touching “pure” people. They do not have the right to own land and are forced to settle in special quarters, which are usually located on the outskirts of cities and settlements. Most of the untouchables (unclean) are homeless and on the verge of starvation.

The shocking truth is that during the official census conducted in India in 1992, it was recorded that 52% of its inhabitants belong to the lower varna. More than half of them are untouchables.

Chamars

Dhobi

They are also called vannars. People who belong to this caste specialize in hand washing for higher class people . Men are engaged in this craft, since the washing process is quite complex and difficult. After soaking and washing, the linen of “clean” citizens is ironed. The untouchables of this caste live on the outskirts of settlements in large family units (up to 600 people) and do noisy laundry every day.

Hand washing services are very cheap and at the same time high quality. Even famous hotels bring laundry to the untouchables for washing. For their hard work, dhobis earn less than seven dollars a day.

Pariah

These are the real renegades of society who are employed in the dirtiest professions. They got to clean public toilets and streets, burn corpses, and collect dead animals in fields and streets.

Pariahs are prohibited from walking on the sidewalks because they might accidentally touch ordinary “clean” people.

The Untouchables: India's Lowest Caste June 10th, 2017

The history of the 20th and 21st centuries is full of equality “to the brim”. Modern society has successfully fought for the rights of women, children and even pets. We proudly accept the achievements of civilization, believing that it has reached the extreme limits of the Earth. In reality, everything is completely different...

The most ancient cultures still cultivate the traditions inherited from their ancestors, dividing people not by their qualities, but only by birthright. This is the case, for example, in India, where the untouchable caste makes up as much as 20% of the entire society and has almost no rights. We will talk about the history and life of the untouchables.

1. Varna system

India still has a caste system. The whole society is divided into four varnas: brahmin scholars, kshatriya warriors, vaishya farmers and sudras, servants.

Apparently, this division was born as a result of the contact of an already existing tribal structure with the cultural customs of assimilated communities, the members of which were distinguished by a different skin color.

Representatives of these four varnas can interact with each other, but contacts with sudras are considered undesirable.

2. Shudras

Closest to the untouchables is the Shudra caste. From time immemorial, these people have been forced to do hard and dirty work. Actually, the Shudras can be called certain peasants of India who own large tracts of land.

People from this caste work in socially acceptable jobs. Such a person can be a blacksmith, carpenter, distiller, mason, or even a musician.

3. The Untouchables

The untouchable caste is outside the social divisions of India. They work in the dirtiest places, removing dead animals, cleaning toilets and tanning leather.

Temple doors are closed to untouchables. People cannot do anything about their position, which is determined only by birthright.

Untouchables are strictly prohibited from entering the courtyards of any member of the upper castes, and anyone who dares to desecrate a public well with his bucket will face quick and brutal punishment right on the street.

4. Desecration

The untouchables are despised and, at the same time, feared by all other castes. The fact is that a person from the lower class of society can defile anyone else with his presence.

Brahmins are especially strict about their surroundings: if an untouchable even touches the hem of a brahman's robe, the latter will have to spend many years trying to cleanse his stained karma.

5. Where did the untouchables come from?

The existence of a whole class of pariahs was determined by history itself.

In ancient times, India was conquered by civilized Aryans, who did not integrate representatives of the conquered tribes into their society. The Aryans preferred to use the indigenous population as service personnel. They immediately began to build separate villages located outside the walls of the main settlements.

This practice gradually widened the gap between the conquerors and the oppressed, not giving the latter a single chance to be integrated into society.

6. Occupation

The worst thing is that the untouchables themselves fully accepted the existing Aryan tradition of caste division. These people themselves were divided into several sub-castes, according to their type of activity.

At the moment, the most common representatives are chamar tanners, dhobi washerwomen and pariahs, who are engaged in very dirty work - removing garbage and cleaning toilets.

The society of modern India consists of 20% untouchables, although the struggle for integration into ordinary society has been going on for decades.

7. The fight for equality

The first shoots of resistance appeared already in the twentieth century. The main activist was Gandhi, who tried to destroy the stereotype cultivated in society by renaming the caste Harijans, people of God.

Gandhi's work was continued by a representative of the Brahmin caste, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. The untouchables in his interpretation became Dalits, the oppressed. Ambedkar ensured that Dalits were given certain quotas in each field of activity. That is, representatives of the untouchables now have, theoretically, the opportunity to join Indian society.

But a practical solution to the problem is still very far away. It was only in 2008 that one of the Dalit caste decided to marry a Kshatriya girl. The arrogant groom was guarded by a detachment of 500 carabinieri - and yet, the new family was simply kicked out of the city.

The Untouchables: 10 Facts About India's Lowest Caste

In reality, everything is completely different. The most ancient cultures still cultivate the traditions inherited from their ancestors, dividing people not by their qualities - but only by birthright. This is the case, for example, in India, where the untouchable caste makes up as much as 20% of the entire society and has almost no rights.

Faktrum talks about the history and life of the untouchables.

1. Varna system

India still has a caste system. The whole society is divided into four varnas: brahmin scholars, kshatriya warriors, vaishya farmers and sudras, servants. Apparently, this division was born as a result of the contact of an already existing tribal structure with the cultural customs of assimilated communities, the members of which were distinguished by a different skin color. Representatives of these four varnas can interact with each other - but contacts with Shudras are considered undesirable.

Photos: Dnpmag.com

2. Shudras

Closest to the untouchables is the Shudra caste. From time immemorial, these people have been forced to do hard and dirty work. Actually, the Shudras can be called certain peasants of India who own large tracts of land. People from this caste work in socially acceptable jobs. Such a person could be a blacksmith, carpenter, distiller, mason, or even a musician.

3. The Untouchables

The untouchable caste is outside the social divisions of India. They work in the dirtiest places, removing dead animals, cleaning toilets and tanning leather. Temple doors are closed to untouchables. People cannot do anything about their position, which is determined only by birthright. Untouchables are strictly prohibited from entering the courtyards of any member of the upper castes, and anyone who dares to desecrate a public well with his bucket will face quick and brutal punishment right on the street.

4. Desecration

The untouchables are despised and, at the same time, feared by all other castes. The fact is that a person from the lower class of society can defile anyone else with his presence. Brahmins are especially strict about their surroundings: if an untouchable even touches the hem of a brahman's robe, the latter will have to spend many years trying to cleanse his stained karma.

5. Where did the untouchables come from?

The existence of a whole class of pariahs was determined by history itself. In ancient times, India was conquered by civilized Aryans, who did not integrate representatives of the conquered tribes into their society. The Aryans preferred to use the indigenous population as service personnel. They immediately began to build separate villages located outside the walls of the main settlements. This practice gradually widened the gap between the conquerors and the oppressed, not giving the latter a single chance to be integrated into society.

6. Occupation

The worst thing is that the untouchables themselves completely accepted the existing Aryan tradition of caste division. These people themselves were divided into several sub-castes, according to their type of activity. At the moment, the most common representatives are chamar tanners, dhobi washerwomen and pariahs, who are engaged in very dirty work - removing garbage and cleaning toilets. The society of modern India consists of 20% untouchables, although the struggle for integration into ordinary society has been going on for decades.

7. The fight for equality

The first shoots of resistance appeared already in the twentieth century. The main activist was Gandhi, who tried to destroy the stereotype cultivated in society by renaming the caste Harijans, people of God. Gandhi's work was continued by a representative of the Brahmin caste, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. The untouchables in his interpretation became Dalits, the oppressed. Ambedkar ensured that Dalits were given certain quotas in each field of activity. That is, representatives of the untouchables now have, theoretically, the opportunity to join Indian society.

But a practical solution to the problem is still very far away. It was only in 2008 that one of the Dalit caste decided to marry a Kshatriya girl. The arrogant groom was guarded by a detachment of 500 carabinieri - and yet, the new family was simply kicked out of the city.

Alexander Taranov16.12.2015

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The Untouchables: 10 Facts About India's Lowest Caste

In reality, everything is completely different. The most ancient cultures still cultivate the traditions inherited from their ancestors, dividing people not by their qualities - but only by birthright. This is the case, for example, in India, where the untouchable caste makes up as much as 20% of the entire society and has almost no rights.

Faktrum talks about the history and life of the untouchables.

1. Varna system

India still has a caste system. The whole society is divided into four varnas: brahmin scholars, kshatriya warriors, vaishya farmers and sudras, servants. Apparently, this division was born as a result of the contact of an already existing tribal structure with the cultural customs of assimilated communities, the members of which were distinguished by a different skin color. Representatives of these four varnas can interact with each other - but contacts with Shudras are considered undesirable.

Photos: Dnpmag.com

2. Shudras

Closest to the untouchables is the Shudra caste. From time immemorial, these people have been forced to do hard and dirty work. Actually, the Shudras can be called certain peasants of India who own large tracts of land. People from this caste work in socially acceptable jobs. Such a person could be a blacksmith, carpenter, distiller, mason, or even a musician.

3. The Untouchables

The untouchable caste is outside the social divisions of India. They work in the dirtiest places, removing dead animals, cleaning toilets and tanning leather. Temple doors are closed to untouchables. People cannot do anything about their position, which is determined only by birthright. Untouchables are strictly prohibited from entering the courtyards of any member of the upper castes, and anyone who dares to desecrate a public well with his bucket will face quick and brutal punishment right on the street.

4. Desecration

The untouchables are despised and, at the same time, feared by all other castes. The fact is that a person from the lower class of society can defile anyone else with his presence. Brahmins are especially strict about their surroundings: if an untouchable even touches the hem of a brahman's robe, the latter will have to spend many years trying to cleanse his stained karma.

5. Where did the untouchables come from?

The existence of a whole class of pariahs was determined by history itself. In ancient times, India was conquered by civilized Aryans, who did not integrate representatives of the conquered tribes into their society. The Aryans preferred to use the indigenous population as service personnel. They immediately began to build separate villages located outside the walls of the main settlements. This practice gradually widened the gap between the conquerors and the oppressed, not giving the latter a single chance to be integrated into society.

6. Occupation

The worst thing is that the untouchables themselves completely accepted the existing Aryan tradition of caste division. These people themselves were divided into several sub-castes, according to their type of activity. At the moment, the most common representatives are chamar tanners, dhobi washerwomen and pariahs, who are engaged in very dirty work - removing garbage and cleaning toilets. The society of modern India consists of 20% untouchables, although the struggle for integration into ordinary society has been going on for decades.

7. The fight for equality

The first shoots of resistance appeared already in the twentieth century. The main activist was Gandhi, who tried to destroy the stereotype cultivated in society by renaming the caste Harijans, people of God. Gandhi's work was continued by a representative of the Brahmin caste, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. The untouchables in his interpretation became Dalits, the oppressed. Ambedkar ensured that Dalits were given certain quotas in each field of activity. That is, representatives of the untouchables now have, theoretically, the opportunity to join Indian society.

But a practical solution to the problem is still very far away. It was only in 2008 that one of the Dalit caste decided to marry a Kshatriya girl. The arrogant groom was guarded by a detachment of 500 carabinieri - and yet, the new family was simply kicked out of the city.

Untouchables are not included in the four varna system. They are considered capable of polluting members of higher castes, especially Brahmins.

The untouchables are divided according to the traditional activities of their representatives, as well as according to the area of ​​their residence. The most common categories of untouchables are chamars (tanners) and dhobis (washerwomen).

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Story

According to one version, a group of untouchable castes arose in ancient times from local tribes that were not included in the society of the Aryans who conquered India. The untouchables were prescribed such activities as collecting garbage, working with leather or clay. Members of such castes lived in separate neighborhoods or villages on the sidelines of the settlements of “pure” castes, did not have their own land and for the most part were dependent workers on other people’s farms.

The untouchables were formally considered Hindus, but they were prohibited from entering Hindu temples or participating in Hindu rituals, and therefore they had their own gods, their own priests and rituals. The untouchables followed Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the Saivite Nath tradition.

In the 20th century, the struggle of the untouchables for equality began. Gandhi actively fought against untouchability. He began to call them Harijans (people of God). The fight for the rights of the untouchables in the 1930s and 40s was led by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. He called the untouchables Dalits(oppressed). He managed to achieve enshrinement in the laws of colonial India, and then in the constitution of independent India in 1950, of a system according to which quotas of vacancies in the civil service, seats in legislative bodies and in higher education institutions. The practice of untouchability is constitutionally prohibited and discrimination based on caste is a criminal offence.

However, in rural areas, Dalits are often victims of harassment, violence and brutality. According to the Madras-based NGO Human Rights Education Movement, on average every hour two Dalits are attacked, three Dalit women are victims of violence, two Dalits are killed and two Dalit houses are burned. For example, in June 2008, a crowd of armed rioters attacked people from lower castes in the city of Miapur (Bihar state) and shot dead 35 people, eight of whom were Dalits. The smallest Dalit claims to rights—a Dalit registered as a candidate for a local council, a Dalit boy courting an upper-caste girl, a Dalit using water from an upper-caste well—can provoke violence.

Millions of Dalits converted to Islam, Christianity or Buddhism to break away from the caste-based Hindu society. But traces of caste hierarchy remain in both Christian and Muslim communities.

Dalits are fighting for equality. They enter tea shops and break “separate dishes” (the caste system forces Dalits to drink from “their” cups). They enter temples, violating an ancient Hindu ban on Dalits entering sacred places. According to Hindu tradition, the groom rides to the wedding on a horse, but when Dalits try to do the same, they are subjected to severe persecution. In June 2008, in Rajasthan, a Dalit groom rode a horse for the first time, guarded by 400 police officers, ambulances and medical teams.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Dalit political parties emerged across India. The 1998 elections showed that the consolidation of Dalits with other minorities led to the creation of an influential voting bloc in many Indian cities. Dalit woman Mayawati became the Prime Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In 2008, the first Dalit became a judge of the Supreme Court of India.

The most striking example of Dalit emancipation is