Describe any five features of caste system prevailing in India.

In India, the Dalits were treated as Untouchables because they were born lower caste compared to rest. They were poor, had no homes, were not allowed to perform decent work. This created a social division in the society, which deep-rooted and India is still struggling to overcome this division.

a. They are considered to be so ‘impure’ that their mere touch severely pollutes members of all other castes.

b. They are not allowed to enter in some of the temples by the priests.

c. Prohibited from eating with other caste members.

d. Prohibited from marrying other upper caste members.

e. Bonded labour.

f. Their occupation is decided by their caste.

g. Untouchability does not offer equal opportunity to these people and thus hinders the progress of society.

h. The untouchables are treated in an unfair manner, and many times their entry at certain places like temples etc. are also denied.

i. Treating them in such a way is a disrespect towards the Constitution which focuses on communal harmony and brotherhood.

j. Example: The manual scavenging is done by only the lower caste people