Dalit women in Rajasthan: status of economic, social and cultural rights

Abstract

We are in the 21st millennium, and yet caste discrimination, an age-old practice that dehumanizes and perpetuates a cruel form of discrimination, continues to be rampant against Dalits despite legislation to stop the practice. The term “Dalit” is most commonly used to define people who were once known as the “untouchables”. In Marathi, the term connotes “oppressed” or the “broken people”. As used by rights’ activists, “Dalit” reflects the situation of the millions of people within South Asia, who are systematically and institutionally deprived of their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in every aspect of life.  Dalits are socially excluded and face widespread discrimination on the basis of work. The caste system has relegated them to the lowest level in caste hierarchy and steeped them in poverty and helplessness.