The Dalit Movement :
Social movements of Dalits show a particular character. The movements cannot be explained satisfactorily by reference to economic exploitations alone or political oppression, although these dimensions are important. This is a struggle for recognition as fellow human beings. It is a struggle for self-confidence and a space for self-determination. It is a struggle for abolishment of stigmatisation, that untouchability implied. It has been called a struggle to be touched. The word Dalit is commonly used in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and many other Indian languages, meaning the poor and oppressed persons. It was first used in the new context in Marathi by neo-Buddhist activists, the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the early 1970's. It refers to those who have been broken, ground down by those above them in a deliberate way. There is, in the word itself, inherent denial of pollution, karma and justified caste hierarchy.
Which of the following is not true about Dalit movements ?
(1) Struggle for self-confidence and self-determination
(2) Seek freedom from political oppression
(3) Struggle to be touched
(4) It is not a sustained protest
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → It is not a sustained protest
Option (1) Struggle for self-confidence and self-determination — True. The Dalit movement is a struggle for self-confidence and a space for self-determination, and for recognition as fellow human beings.
Option (2) Seek freedom from political oppression — True. The movement cannot be explained by political oppression alone, but freedom from it is one of its important dimensions.
Option (3) Struggle to be touched — True. It is a struggle for the abolishment of the stigma that untouchability implied, and so it has been called a struggle to be touched.
Option (4) It is not a sustained protest — False. Every social movement requires sustained collective action over time; a protest that flares up and dies down is not a movement at all. The Dalit movement has run from the anti-caste movement inspired by Jotiba Phule in the 19th century, through the non-Brahmin movements of the 1920s, to Dr. Ambedkar’s leadership and after. It is a sustained protest.
NCERT (2025-26): “8.1 Features of a Social Movement … A social movement requires sustained collective action over time. Such action is often directed against the state and takes the form of demanding changes in state policy or practice. Spontaneous, disorganised protest cannot be called a social movement either.…” “The Dalit Movement … Social movements of Dalits show a particular character. The movements cannot be explained satisfactorily by reference to economic exploitations alone or political oppression, although these dimensions are important. This is a struggle for recognition as fellow human beings. It is a struggle for self-confidence and a space for self-determination. It is a struggle for abolishment of stigmatisation, that untouchability implied. It has been called a struggle to be touched. The word Dalit is commonly used in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and many other Indian languages, meaning the poor and oppressed persons. It was first used in the new context in Marathi by neo-Buddhist activists, the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the early 1970s. It refers to those who have been broken, ground down by those above them in a deliberate way. There is, in the word itself, inherent denial of pollution, karma and justified caste hierarchy.…” |