Define ‘Dalit’.
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The term 'Dalit,' derived from Sanskrit, means "oppressed" or "downtrodden," and it is used to refer to a historically marginalized and discriminated group in India. Dalits, also known as Scheduled Castes or Untouchables, have traditionally occupied the lowest rungs of the Hindu caste hierarchy. Historically subjected to severe social, economic, and cultural discrimination, Dalits were often excluded from various aspects of mainstream society.
The term 'Dalit' gained prominence in the mid-20th century as a self-chosen identity, reflecting a collective assertion of pride and resistance against centuries of oppression. Embracing the term, Dalit communities sought to challenge the stigmatizing labels associated with their social status and assert their dignity and equality.
Beyond India, the term 'Dalit' has been adopted to describe oppressed and marginalized communities in other South Asian countries, emphasizing a broader, pan-regional struggle for social justice and equality. Today, the use of the term 'Dalit' extends beyond caste to encompass a socio-political identity associated with the ongoing fight against discrimination and the assertion of human rights for historically marginalized communities.