Which of the following statements about the many names by which the so-called 'untouchables' were collectively referred to over the centuries is correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → They are still used as forms of abuse, although their use is now a criminal offence
Option (1) They are still used as forms of abuse, although their use is now a criminal offence — Correct. The old collective names are all derogatory, and many are still used as abuse today. This goes on even though their use is now a criminal offence.
Option (2) They fell out of use once Mahatma Gandhi popularised the term 'Harijan' — Incorrect. Gandhi brought in 'Harijan' to counter the insult in caste names, but the old names did not die out. Many of them are still used as forms of abuse.
Option (3) They are still used as forms of abuse, as their use has not yet been made an offence — Incorrect. The first part holds, but the reason given is false. Using these names is now a criminal offence.
Option (4) They are still used in official lists, although 'Dalit' is now the accepted term — Incorrect. These names are derogatory and live on today as forms of abuse. 'Dalit' is now the generally accepted term for these groups, and the old names carry only insult.
NCERT (2026-27): “Exercise for Tables 1 and 2 … |