Question

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

Options

• I., II.

• II., III.

• III., IV.

• I., IV.

Answer 1

I., II.