Question

There has not been a single, unified Dalit movement in the country, now or in the past. Different movements have highlighted different issues related to the Dalits, around different ideologies. Notwithstanding differences in the nature of Dalit movements and the meaning of identity, there has been a common quest for equality, self-dignity and eradication of untouchability. (Shah 2001 : 194).

Based on the given passage, answer the following questions:

1. Write any two examples of Dalit Movement.
2. Discuss the various issues highlighted by the Dalit Movements.

Answer 1

1. The Adi Dharma Movement in Punjab, the Mahar Movement in Maharashtra, the Satnami Movement of the Chamars in the Chattisgarh plains of eastern MP, the sociopolitical mobilisation of the Jatavas of Agra, and the Anti Brahman Movement in South India are a few examples.
2. issues highlighted by the Dalit Movements
   1. Various movements, centred on various philosophies, have brought attention to various Dalit issues.
   2. This is a fight to be acknowledged as fellow humans. It is a battle for self-assurance and an area for individual choice.
   3. The fight is to end the stigmatisation that untouchability entailed. Some have referred to it as a struggle to be touched.
   4. Nonetheless, they all claim to be Dalit, even though everyone may have a different or more accurate interpretation.
   5. The goals of equality, self-respect, and the elimination of untouchability have all been shared.