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प्रश्न
How are the Other Backward Castes different from the Dalits (or Scheduled Castes)?
उत्तर
Untouchability was the most visible and discriminatory form of social inequality. Despite this, there was a large group of castes which were of low status and were also subjected to varying levels of discrimination. The ex-untouchability communities their leaders have coined, another term, Dalit’, which is now the generally accepted term for referring to these groups. The term Dalit literally means ‘downtrodden’ and conveys the sense of an oppressed people.
However, the constitution of India recognizes the probability of what there may be groups other than SCs and STs who suffer from social advantages. These groups were described as “socially and educationally” backward classes or other backward classes.” The OBCs are neither part of the formed castes at the upper end of the caste hierarchy, nor the Dalits at the lower end. The OBCs are much more diverse groups than the Dalits.
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संबंधित प्रश्न
What is untouchability?
What are the major issues of concern to Adivasis today?
____________ was the founder of Satyashodak Samaj having its primary emphasis on “truth-seeking”.
Just like caste in India, race in South Africa stratifies society into a hierarchy. This system is called ____________.
People do not face discrimination and exclusion on the basis of:
Caste system can be understood as the combination of two sets of principles:
Assertion: Ritually highest caste – the Brahmins were subordinated to the secular power of kings and rulers belonging to the Kshatriya castes.
Reason: In strict scriptural terms, Brahmins were not supposed to amass wealth.
| Strictly speaking, the ‘untouchable’ castes are outside the caste hierarchy – they are considered to be so ‘impure’ that their mere touch severely pollutes members of all other castes, bringing terrible punishment for the former and forcing the latter to perform elaborate purification rituals. In fact, notions of ‘distance pollution’ existed in many regions of India (particularly in the south) such that even the mere presence or the shadow of an ‘untouchable’ person is considered polluting. |
Despite the limited literal meaning of the word, the institution of ‘untouchability’ refers not just to the avoidance or prohibition of physical contact but to a much broader set of social sanctions. Which of the following is not such a sanction?
| Strictly speaking, the ‘untouchable’ castes are outside the caste hierarchy – they are considered to be so ‘impure’ that their mere touch severely pollutes members of all other castes, bringing terrible punishment for the former and forcing the latter to perform elaborate purification rituals. In fact, notions of ‘distance pollution’ existed in many regions of India (particularly in the south) such that even the mere presence or the shadow of an ‘untouchable’ person is considered polluting. |
The names used to refer to untouchables are all almost always:
| Strictly speaking, the ‘untouchable’ castes are outside the caste hierarchy – they are considered to be so ‘impure’ that their mere touch severely pollutes members of all other castes, bringing terrible punishment for the former and forcing the latter to perform elaborate purification rituals. In fact, notions of ‘distance pollution’ existed in many regions of India (particularly in the south) such that even the mere presence or the shadow of an ‘untouchable’ person is considered polluting. |
As per the understanding of distance pollution from the given passage, which of the following qualify as sources of distance pollution?
I. Mere presence
II. Shadow
III. Pollution associated with women during menstruation
IV. Ceremonial pollution associated with death
Assertions of tribal identity are on the rise. This can be laid at the door of the emergence of a middle class within the tribal society. With the emergence of this class, in particular, issues of culture, tradition, livelihood, even control over land and resources, as well as demands for a share in the benefits of the projects of modernity, have become an integral part of the articulation of identity among the tribes. There is, therefore, a new consciousness among tribes now, coming from its middle classes. The middle classes themselves are a consequence of modern education and modern occupations, aided in turn by the reservation policies.
The reasons for asserting tribal identity for the uneducated and poor Adivasis and the middle classes among the tribes are the same. Mark the statement as true or false.
Assertions of tribal identity are on the rise. This can be laid at the door of the emergence of a middle class within the tribal society. With the emergence of this class, in particular, issues of culture, tradition, livelihood, even control over land and resources, as well as demands for a share in the benefits of the projects of modernity, have become an integral part of the articulation of identity among the tribes. There is, therefore, a new consciousness among tribes now, coming from its middle classes. The middle classes themselves are a consequence of modern education and modern occupations, aided in turn by the reservation policies.
States like Jharkhand and Chattisgarh have made full use of their statehood as a result of the tribal movement. Mark the statement as true or false.
Assertions of tribal identity are on the rise. This can be laid at the door of the emergence of a middle class within the tribal society. With the emergence of this class, in particular, issues of culture, tradition, livelihood, even control over land and resources, as well as demands for a share in the benefits of the projects of modernity, have become an integral part of the articulation of identity among the tribes. There is, therefore, a new consciousness among tribes now, coming from its middle classes. The middle classes themselves are a consequence of modern education and modern occupations, aided in turn by the reservation policies.
Mark the statement as true or false. Tribes were a community which always had sharp divisions.
What are untouchable castes considered to be?
Who appointed a commission to look into measures for the welfare of the OBCs?
Social stratification persists over generations. The ascribed aspect of social inequality is reinforced by the practice of ______. That is, marriage is usually restricted to members of the same caste, ruling out the potential for blurring caste lines through inter-marriage.
When did the first backward classes commission submit its report?
The Jana were believed to be people of what?
When did the OBC issue become a regional affair pursued at the state rather than the central level?
What campaign did Ram Mohan Roy led in Bengal?
It means an opinion formed in advance of any familiarity with the subject before considering any available evidence.
Elaborate on state and non-state initiatives addressing caste and tribal discrimination.
Read the passage given and answer the question:
| The following observations were made by G.B. Pant during a speech that moved the constitution of the Advisory Committee on fundamental rights, minorities, etc. "We have to take particular care of the Depressed Classes, the Scheduled Castes, and the Backward Classes ...we must do all we can to bring them up to the general level..the strength of the chain is measured by the weakest link of it and so until every link is fully revitalised, we will not have a healthy body politic. Recent years have seen renewed debate about the States' decisions on reservation to this section." |
- Based on the passage above, who are referred to as the weakest link of the society?
- Why should and how can this weakest link be fully revitalised?
- Define 'Secularisation of caste'
The 1989 Prevention of Atrocities Act revised and strengthened the legal provisions punishing acts of violence or humiliation against Dalits and adivasis. Legislation on this subject was passed repeatedly.
Do you think state action alone can ensure social change? Give reasons for your answer.
