Dalit

An entire population in India and Hindu regions of Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh considered inherently contaminated. Also known as “Untouchables,” Dalits are members of the lowest social group, born below the four primary Hindu castes. The word “Dalit” means “oppressed” or “broken” and is the name members of this group gave themselves in the 1930s. Dalits face discrimination and even violence from members of higher castes, or traditional social classes, particularly in terms of access to jobs, education, and marriage partners. For more.