Origin and History of DALIT

Description:

DALIT is a term used to describe people belonging to the lower castes of India's traditional Hindu social hierarchy. It is a term that is used to refer to individuals belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of India, who have historically faced social and economic discrimination. The origin of the term is believed to have come from the Sanskrit word ‘dal’ which means ‘broken’ or ‘oppressed’. The term was first used as a self-ascription by the Dalit people in the early 20th century. The culture of DALITs varies from region to region in India. In some areas, DALITs practice their own religion and customs, whereas in other areas, they practice Hinduism. The customs of DALITs vary from region to region. In some areas, DALITs are not allowed to enter temples or participate in religious ceremonies. In other areas, DALITs are allowed to participate in religious ceremonies, but not to lead them. The surnames of DALITs also vary from region to region. In some areas, DALITs use surnames that indicate their caste or social status, while in other areas, they use surnames that are more generic. Some of the most common surnames of DALITs include: Yadav, Kumar, Singh, Sharma, and Verma. The variations of DALIT surnames are also reflective of the regional and cultural differences in India. For example, in the southern states of India, DALITs often use the suffix ‘kar’ to indicate their caste, while in the northern states, they use the suffix ‘singh’.