In Indian languages, the term Dalit literally means 'downtrodden' and conveys the sense of an oppressed people. Though it was neither coined by Dr. Ambedkar nor frequently used by him, the term certainly resonates with his philosophy and the movement for empowerment that he led. It received wide currency during the caste riots in Mumbai in the early 1970s. … The most important state initiative attempting to compensate for past and present caste discrimination is the one popularly known as 'reservations'. … One of the earliest such laws was the Caste Disabilities Removal Act of 1850, which disallowed the curtailment of rights of citizens due solely to change of religion or caste.
A line left out at the very start of the passage names who coined the term Dalit. According to that line, who coined it?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The ex-untouchable communities and their leaders
Option (1) The Dalit Panthers, a radical group of western India — Incorrect. The Dalit Panthers emerged in western India in the early 1970s. They used the term to assert their identity, but they did not coin it.
Option (2) Mahatma Gandhi, who also popularised the term 'Harijan' — Incorrect. Mahatma Gandhi popularised the term 'Harijan' for these groups. The term Dalit came from the communities themselves, so it cannot be traced to him.
Option (3) The ex-untouchable communities and their leaders — Correct. The ex-untouchable communities and their leaders coined the term Dalit. It is now the generally accepted term for referring to these groups.
Option (4) The British Indian government, which drew up the Schedules — Incorrect. The British Indian government drew up the Schedules of castes and tribes in 1935. That was an official list, and the term Dalit came later from the communities themselves.
NCERT (2026-27): “Exercise for Tables 1 and 2 … |