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 issue is not associated with social movements of Dalits ?
(1) Political oppression
(2) Purity and pollution
(3) Language oppression
(4) Trade unionism
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Trade unionism
Note: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. However, Option (3) can also be considered correct, as explained below.
Option (1) Political oppression — Associated with Dalit movements (Incorrect). The movements of Dalits cannot be explained by political oppression alone, but this dimension is important to them. Dalits have long been kept out of power by the castes above them, and their movements resist this.
Option (2) Purity and pollution — Associated with Dalit movements (Incorrect). Untouchability rests on the belief that the touch of a Dalit pollutes. The Dalit movement is a struggle to abolish the stigma that untouchability implied, and the word Dalit itself carries an inherent denial of pollution, karma and justified caste hierarchy.
Option (3) Language oppression — Not associated with Dalit movements (Can also be considered correct). The Dalit movement is a struggle for recognition as fellow human beings, for self-confidence and self-determination, and for the abolition of the stigma of untouchability; the dimensions named with it are economic exploitation and political oppression. Language oppression is not among them.
Option (4) Trade unionism — Not associated with Dalit movements (Correct as per NTA). Trade unionism means workers organising themselves into trade unions to bargain with employers over wages, working hours and conditions of work; it belongs to the workers’ movement. The Dalit movement is of another kind: a struggle for recognition as fellow human beings, for self-confidence and a space for self-determination.
NCERT (2025-26): “…In 1974 there was a major railway workers’ strike. The confrontation between the state and trade unions became acute. The worker’s moment was very much part of the wide struggle for civil liberties.” “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.…” |