In the study of social inequality and exclusion in India, which of the following describes Dalits?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The ex-untouchable castes
Option (1) Communities referred to as 'tribal' — Incorrect. This describes the adivasis, the communities referred to as 'tribal'. Adivasis are a separate group among those facing serious exclusion.
Option (2) Communities once called 'martial races' — Incorrect. 'Martial races' was a label the British gave to certain communities they thought fit for army service. It is a colonial army category, and Dalits are the ex-untouchable castes.
Option (3) The ex-untouchable castes — Correct. Dalits are the ex-untouchable castes, one of the four groups that have suffered serious social inequality and exclusion in India. The name refers to castes once treated as untouchable.
Option (4) The other backward castes — Incorrect. The other backward castes are a separate category of castes, ranked low but not treated as untouchable. Dalits are the castes that faced untouchability.
NCERT (2026-27): “Social Exclusion … “Apart from these four groups, there are two more groups included in this category like transgender and people of third gender group. …” |