Which of the following statement is incorrect in the context of untouchability in India?

Mahatma Gandhi used the words 'Harijan' and 'Dalits' for 'untouchables'.

The correct answer is Option 4: Mahatma Gandhi used the words 'Harijan' and 'Dalits' for 'untouchables'.

Option 1: The ‘untouchable’ castes are outside the caste hierarchy. Correct. They have traditionally been regarded as being outside the four-fold varna order and subjected to severe forms of exclusion.

Option 2: The institution of ‘untouchability’ refers not just to the avoidance or prohibition of physical contact but to a much broader set of social sanctions. Correct. It includes restrictions on social interaction, access to public spaces, occupations and other aspects of social life.

Option 3: Untouchability is almost always associated with economic exploitation of various kinds. Correct. Untouchability has historically involved not only social exclusion and humiliation but also economic exploitation like the imposition of forced, unpaid (or under-paid) labour, or the confiscation of property.

Option 4: Mahatma Gandhi used the words 'Harijan' and 'Dalits' for 'untouchables'. Incorrect. Gandhi popularised the term 'Harijan'. The term 'Dalit' was not used by him in this manner and later became the preferred term of self-identification among many members of these communitie