The Untouchables: who were they and why they became Untouchables
In this book Dr. Ambedkar presents his conclusions that are the result of such historical research as he has been able to make.
It contains the novel thesis that comprises the following propositions and his explanation of the same and evidence as to how he arrived at them:
(1) There is no racial difference between the Hindus and the Untouchables
(2) The distinction between the Hindus and Untouchables in its original form, before the advent of Untouchability, was the distinction between Tribesmen and Broken Men from alien Tribes. It is the Broken Men who subsequently came to be treated as Untouchables
(3) Just as Untouchability has no racial basis so also has it no occupational basis
(4) There are two roots from which Untouchability has sprung:
(a) Contempt and hatred of the Broken Men as of Buddhists by the Brahmins
(b) Continuation of beef-eating by the Broken Men after it had been given up by others.
(5) In searching for the origin of Untouchability care must be taken to distinguish the Untouchables from the Impure. All orthodox Hindu writers have identified the Impure with the Untouchables. This is an error. Untouchables are distinct from the Impure. (6) While the Impure as a class came into existence at the time of the Dharma Sutras the Untouchables came into being much later than 400 A.D
This book is a a must for those who are from the community, and also for allies in the anti-caste struggle.
To know who we are, and why we became the untouchables is very crucial, if not, the most crucial element needed to break our shackles and emancipate ourselves.
So please listen and share this audiobook with one and all!
