Write a short note on Chandal.

"Chandal" is a term historically used in South Asia to denote individuals considered to be outside the varna (caste) system, often subjected to severe social discrimination and ostracization. The term originated from Sanskrit and referred to those who performed tasks deemed impure or polluting, such as handling dead bodies or working with leather.

In Indian society, Chandal was associated with the lowest strata of social hierarchy, facing systemic oppression and exclusion due to their perceived impurity. They were often denied access to public spaces, educational opportunities, and social interactions, relegated to marginalized and dehumanizing roles.

Over time, the term "Chandal" has become synonymous with the experience of untouchability and caste-based discrimination, reflecting the entrenched social hierarchies and inequalities in South Asian societies. Today, efforts are underway to challenge and dismantle caste-based discrimination, promote social justice, and uphold the rights and dignity of individuals historically marginalized as "Chandals."