Untouchability in India is a complex and multifaceted issue that has deep historical, social, and cultural roots. It is important to note that the practice of untouchability is a form of caste discrimination that has been legally abolished in India, but its social and psychological impacts continue to persist. The various forms of untouchability can be examined through several lenses: religious, social, economic, and political.

Religious Dimensions - Religious Untouchability, or the exclusion of certain castes based on religious beliefs, is the most prominent form of untouchability in India. Historically, the Hindu caste system has been instrumental in perpetuating untouchability. The caste system, based on the ancient scriptures such as the Manusmriti, divides society into four hierarchical groups: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (servants). Below these, there are groups known as Dalits (formerly called "untouchables") who are considered outside the caste system due to their occupations, such as leather work, scavenging, or manual labor involving animals.

In addition to historical caste divisions, religious conversions have also played a role in creating new forms of untouchability. For instance, after the Partition of India in 1947, many Dalits converted to Islam or Christianity to escape the rigid caste system. However, they often faced a new form of untouchability within their new religious communities, where they were still subjected to social discrimination and exclusion.

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Social Dimensions - Social untouchability manifests through various practices that segregate and discriminate against Dalits. These practices include restrictions on entry into certain areas, such as temples, schools, and public spaces; exclusion from certain festivals and communal events; and social ostracism. Even in urban areas, Dalits often face segregation in housing, education, and professional settings. This social untouchability is not just a result of historical prejudices but is also perpetuated by contemporary social norms and practices that reinforce caste divisions.

One notable practice is the notion of "social pollution," where Dalits are considered ritually impure and thus pollute or defile the purity of higher caste individuals. This belief system has led to the practice of "pollution touch" or "pollution by sight," where higher castes avoid any contact with Dalits, including physical touch. This social untouchability is deeply ingrained in Indian society and is often justified through religious and cultural justifications.

Economic Dimensions - Economic untouchability refers to the exclusion of Dalits from economic opportunities and resources. Dalits often face discrimination in the job market, with higher castes often preferring to employ people from their own caste. This economic discrimination is compounded by the lack of access to education and vocational training, which are essential for social mobility. Furthermore, Dalits are often engaged in menial and low-paying jobs, such as manual labor, domestic work, and scavenging, which are considered socially inferior and are often associated with untouchability.

Economic untouchability is also evident in the distribution of land and other resources. Despite constitutional provisions for land reform and reservation in government jobs, Dalits continue to face discrimination in land acquisition and distribution. The recent anti-land acquisition protests by Dalits in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra highlight the persistent economic marginalization they face.

Political Dimensions - Political untouchability refers to the exclusion or marginalization of Dalits from political processes and decision-making bodies. Despite the reservation of seats for Dalits in legislative assemblies and local bodies, their political representation remains disproportionately low. Moreover, Dalits often face political discrimination and violence, with political parties and leaders from higher castes often exploiting their interests for electoral gains.

One prominent example of political untouchability is the communal violence against Dalits. In recent years, there has been a rise in incidents of mob lynching, violence, and atrocities against Dalits. These incidents are often motivated by caste prejudices and are often supported or perpetrated by political parties and leaders. The political silence or complicity in these incidents further underscores the political untouchability faced by Dalits.

These various forms of untouchability illustrate the enduring nature of caste-based discrimination, requiring not only legal enforcement but also societal transformation to uphold constitutional values of equality and justice.