Érinthetetlenség

Érinthetetlenség, often translated as "untouchability," refers to a historical and social stratification system rooted in Hinduism, primarily in India. It was a rigid hierarchy that placed certain communities, historically known as "Dalits" or "Scheduled Castes," at the very bottom. These groups were considered ritually impure and were subjected to severe discrimination and social exclusion.

The concept of untouchability dictated that members of these lower castes could not interact with upper castes, share water sources, enter temples, or even touch individuals from higher castes. Such contact was believed to pollute the higher castes, requiring elaborate purification rituals. This system led to immense suffering, denial of basic rights, and limited access to education, land, and economic opportunities for the affected communities.

While the Indian Constitution of 1950 abolished untouchability and prohibited discrimination based on caste, its social and economic consequences continue to persist in many parts of India. Efforts to eradicate its remnants involve affirmative action policies, legal protections, and social reform movements aimed at achieving true equality and integration for all communities. The term "Dalit," meaning "oppressed" or "broken," is now widely used by these communities to assert their identity and demand social justice.