The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is a follow-up to his influential book The Shudras, delving into the origins and social conditions of the untouchable communities in India. First published in 1948 by Amrit Book Company, New Delhi, it is now included in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches, Volume 7, released by the Education Department, Government of Maharashtra in 1990. The book is dedicated to the saints Nandnar, Ravidas, and Chokhamela, who, despite being untouchables, gained respect through their virtue.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s The Untouchables examines the origins and persistence of untouchability within Hindu society, addressing its evolution with a critical, historical approach. This compelling analysis, written with Ambedkar’s characteristic clarity, questions why untouchability is prevalent among Hindus and compares it with practices globally. Ambedkar offers a thought-provoking exploration of religious and social structures that reinforce inequality, presenting arguments that continue to resonate with modern readers interested in social justice and caste studies. This book challenges readers to confront ingrained prejudices and encourages critical engagement with India’s social fabric.
This book, The Untouchables is a continuation of Ambedkar’s earlier work The Shudras, examines the existence of social classes within Hindu civilization that have long been marginalized and stigmatized: the Criminal Tribes, the Aboriginal Tribes, and the Untouchables. Ambedkar critiques the Hindu social system, which he argues is not truly “civilized” but rather perpetuates oppression and exploitation. He points out that unlike other societies, there has been little introspection in Hindu culture regarding the origins and treatment of these groups, as Hindu civilization is often glorified rather than questioned, fostering a sense of pride rather than a critical examination of social injustices.
A must-read for those seeking to understand the complexities of untouchability, this volume is a foundational text in Dalit studies and human rights discourse, created by a leader whose insights shaped modern India’s constitutional values.
Availability of Book: The Untouchables
The Untouchables is 152 pages long and is available in paperback format. It was first published on January 1, 1948. The book is available in English, Hindi and can be found in paperback, as well as on Kindle and in Google library. It was published by Kalpaz Publications in 2017. A Kindle Edition published in 2018 and a Kindle Edition published by MAVEN Books in 2019. The digital and audio version of a book that is available for reading on Amazon’s Kindle devices and paperback also published by Namaskar Books in the year of 25 January 2023.
Exploring the Central Themes of The Untouchables
- Historical Roots and Social Labeling: Ambedkar delves into the social mechanisms behind the labeling of communities as “Untouchable,” suggesting that it originated from ancient societal conflicts and power struggles rather than purely religious doctrine. His analysis in The Untouchables challenges readers to question accepted narratives about caste origins.
- Ancient Beliefs on Impurity and Purification Rituals: Dr. Ambedkar examined non-Hindu societiesin The Untouchables, finding that many early cultures feared impurity through contact with certain individuals and events. Actions like childbirth, puberty rites, marriage rituals, and the presence of a corpse were seen as sources of contamination, believed to attract evil forces. To counter impurity, people isolated the “defiled” person for a set period and performed purification rituals. This included cleansing acts like sprinkling water or blood, cutting hair or nails, and avoiding specific foods. In societies like Uganda and Ancient Greece, purification ceremonies were customary to restore purity.
- The Concept of Pollution in Hindu Society: In his research on Hindu society, Ambedkar discovered startling similarities between the notion of pollution in Hinduism and that of ancient or primitive societies. Through his exploration of the Hindu texts, especially the Manu Smriti (an ancient text that outlines the moral and social conduct of a man), Ambedkar found that Hindus, much like their counterparts in ancient Rome, held a structured view of pollution that was physical, national, communal, and territorial.
- The Role of Manu Smriti in Defining Purity and Pollution: The Untouchables describe that Manu Smriti, written after the fall of the Maurya Empire, prescribed rules regarding purity and defilement, largely governed by one’s social status and involvement in certain activities. Manu outlined that the king, regarded as the most important figure in society, was abstracted of eight deities and thus considered pure. Similarly, certain groups, including kinsmen, Brahmins, nobles, and even cows, were deemed exempt from impurity. Ambedkar discovered that these classifications were not based on any inherent virtue or purity but were instead social hierarchy that ensured the continuation of the caste system.
- Brahmins and the Paradox of Purity: Ambedkar also highlighted in The Untouchables absurdities within Manu Smriti regarding Brahmins. While the text declared Brahmins to be pure, they were also subjected to defilement in many circumstances, such as birth and death. These defilements were not experienced by non-Brahmins in the same way, revealing a complex and often contradictory view of purity within the Hindu caste system. Despite being revered as pure, Brahmins were still involved in practices that allowed them to be “defiled” temporarily, similar to the practices seen in ancient societies. According to Manu Smriti, family members of the deceased were given specific titles, such as Sapindas and Samanodakas, to signify their state of impurity. The length of the defilement period was also specified, indicating a well-organized structure of ritual impurity that was similar to the customs in primitive times. Once the period of impurity had passed, a purificatory ritual was performed to cleanse the individual. This purification could be symbolized by a yearly Jatra, a ritual where a he-buffalo was bought, paraded around the village, and then sacrificed. The blood from the sacrifice would be sprinkled throughout the village, and the meat was shared among the villagers. In an unusual twist, even vegetarian Brahmins were expected to accept their share of beef, emphasizing the deeply ingrained nature of the caste system and its rituals of purification.
- Untouchability and Hereditary Pollution: Ambedkar’s research The Untouchables took a darker turn when he turned his attention to the concept of Untouchability. The 1935 Order in Council listed 429 communities, estimated to be around 50-60 million people, who were deemed “Untouchables” and whose mere touch was believed to pollute upper-caste Hindus. Ambedkar emphasized that nothing could cleanse the Untouchables of their impurity, as they were born impure, lived impure lives, and died in a state of impurity. He argued that the stigma of Untouchability was hereditary and permanent, passed down from one generation to the next. Ambedkar’s research helped to shed light on the systemic inequalities that arose from these beliefs and practices, which were ingrained in Hindu society through texts like the Manu Smriti.
- The Isolation and Segregation of the Untouchables: In addition to the societal beliefs about pollution, Ambedkar noted the physical isolation of the Untouchables. These communities were often confined to separate territories outside of the village, essentially living in ghettos. This segregation was not only a reflection of their social status but also a direct manifestation of the belief that they were inherently polluted and, thus, needed to be separated from the rest of society. This practice was reminiscent of similar practices in ancient and primitive societies, where the “impure” were isolated to maintain the sanctity of the more pure communities.
- Religious Constructs and Social Control: Ambedkar critiques Hindu religious texts and practices, illustrating how these have historically justified the treatment of Untouchables. He argues that religion became a tool to institutionalize social hierarchy, impacting the lives of millions by dictating their roles, freedoms, and limitations. Ambedkar argued in The Untouchables that Hindu society took this concept a step further by ensuring that Untouchability was not only a matter of individual actions but also something inherited, passed down from one generation to the next. This differentiation between Hindus and Non-Hindus created a deeply entrenched social hierarchy, which perpetuated the isolation and mistreatment of the Untouchables.
- Economic Marginalization and Untouchability: The book outlines how Untouchability was not just a social or religious construct but also served economic functions by enforcing a division of labor that benefited upper castes. Ambedkar exploresin The Untouchables how this marginalized group was restricted to certain occupations, which intensified their exclusion from mainstream society.
- Cultural and Identity Erasure: Ambedkar highlights the cultural erasure experienced by Untouchables, who were denied not only social interaction but also the right to develop a unique identity within Indian society. This theme emphasizes his argument that Untouchability inflicted deep-rooted psychological and cultural harm.
- Call for Social Reform and Human Dignity: The Untouchables advocates for fundamental social reform, emphasizing the need to abolish caste-based discrimination. Ambedkar’s vision involves reconstructing society on principles of equality, encouraging readers to address Untouchability’s harmful legacy through education, policy, and moral action.
Analyzing the Final Chapter in The Untouchables: Origin and Evolution of Untouchability
- Tracing the Transformation of Broken Men: In the final chapter of The Untouchables, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar synthesizes his research to uncover how “broken men” gradually became classified as untouchables. Ambedkar argues that the Vedic period did not recognize untouchability; instead, early texts like the Dharma Sutra only discuss impurity, a concept distinct from untouchability. He states, “The traditional interpretation adopted by the orthodox Hindu is that the statement in Manu refers to the Untouchables, that it was the Untouchables whose status was in controversy and that it was their status which is the subject-matter of Manu’s decision”. Neither the Manu Smriti nor the Narada Smriti mention untouchability explicitly, leading Ambedkar to conclude that this concept emerged later.
- Establishing the Lower Bound for Untouchability’s Origin: Ambedkar’s research in The Untouchables examines historical accounts to pinpoint the earliest mentions of untouchable-like groups, including records from the Chinese traveller Fa-Hien. Fa-Hien describes the Chandalas as antagonists of Brahmins, calling them “evil,” but does not suggest they were treated as untouchables in the rigid sense that later evolved. Ambedkar also references the story of Kadambari, where King Shudraka falls for a Chandala girl without any societal condemnation. This admiration without social stigma implies that untouchability as an institutionalized practice did not exist during this period, which Ambedkar estimates was around 600 AD.
- The Gupta Dynasty’s Role in Institutionalizing Untouchability: In The Untouchables, Ambedkar argues that the Gupta dynasty played a critical role in establishing untouchability by criminalizing cow slaughter and beef consumption. He believes that, unlike earlier times, the Gupta rulers championed Hindu orthodoxy and declared cow-killing a social offence, marking it as a dividing line for marginalizing certain groups. This transformation, according to Ambedkar, took place around 400 AD, laying the foundation for the untouchability system.
- The Purpose of Ambedkar’s Research: Ambedkar’s aim in The Untouchables was not solely academic; he wanted to eradicate caste-based discrimination by tracing untouchability’s origins. He highlights how Brahminical scriptures, particularly the Manu Smriti, institutionalized inequality and promoted Brahmin superiority. Ambedkar explains that many marginalized groups embraced Buddhism, but Brahmins further isolated them due to their beliefs and practices, which ultimately led to their untouchability.
- Untouchability as Social Nausea: Ambedkar’s work in The Untouchables frames untouchability as a deeply ingrained social injustice, perpetuated over centuries by rigid traditions. His detailed study reveals untouchability as a “social nausea” inflicted upon people based solely on birth. By uncovering the historical and social origins of untouchability, Ambedkar hoped to dismantle this oppressive system and advocate for equal rights and dignity for all individuals.
In-Depth Reviews and Reader Reflections
- Learning History Through Ambedkar’s Insightful Lens: The reader expresses that reading The Untouchables work feels like being instructed by B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer and scholar. The writing presents historical events and their interpretations in a clear and logical way. It encourages critical thinking by breaking down complex subjects into fundamental questions, discussing various assumptions and potential answers, and refining them to form a coherent understanding. The reader reflects on their past education, indicating that they have encountered bits of this history before but were happy to leave it behind. Reader expresses a wish that they had a teacher like Ambedkar during their own schooling to provide a deeper understanding of the subject. Overall, the reader emphasizes the book’s significance, both for its content and its thoughtful approach to the material.
- Exploring the Roots of Untouchability: The Untouchables summarizes a work by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarding the origins of untouchability in India. It highlights that, although there is limited material on the subject, Ambedkar uses comparisons from various tribes and ancient societies globally to establish connections to the situation in India. He raises critical questions such as why untouchables reside outside villages, whether they were inherently broken individuals, and why separate quarters for these individuals vanished in other countries but persisted in India. Through addressing these inquiries, Ambedkar aims to provide a foundational understanding of the origins of untouchability. Ambedkar provides a compelling explanation for the origins of untouchability in his book “The Untouchable,” offering insights that other scholars have not. Through his research on texts such as the Manusmriti, the Rigveda, and other scriptures, he demonstrates that untouchability developed as recently as 400 A.D.
- Understanding Untouchability and Its Parallels to Western Slavery: Untouchability in India can be compared to the slavery that existed in the West. While racism continues to be a reality in the West, it is acknowledged and actively addressed. Unfortunately, this was not the case with untouchability in India. If it were not for Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, this marginalized, or rather class-less, section of Indian society would have remained in darkness. I highly recommend this book for reading to all millennials and younger generations, particularly those from the so-called upper castes. It is a true eye-opener that sheds light on a crucial chapter of India’s history that many are unaware of.
Why You Should Read
Reading The Untouchables is essential for anyone seeking to understand the roots of social inequality and the enduring effects of caste-based discrimination. Ambedkar’s analysis offers a comprehensive view of untouchability’s origins and exposes the ways in which it was reinforced by powerful institutions and ideologies over time. His examination of religious texts, societal norms, and historical records provides a window into the systemic oppression faced by marginalized communities. More than a historical study, this book is a call-to-action Ambedkar’s vision of a society free from discrimination is as relevant today as it was in his time, inspiring readers to advocate for equality, justice, and humanity.
Final Thought
In The Untouchables, Ambedkar powerfully conveys that untouchability is not just an archaic social practice but a deeply embedded injustice that continues to affect society. Through meticulous research and historical analysis, he reveals how untouchability arose from a combination of social, religious, and political factors that culminated in the systematic discrimination against certain communities. Ambedkar describes untouchability as a “social nausea,” a pervasive ailment that has poisoned social interactions and hindered equality in India for centuries. His work goes beyond history, offering insights that challenge readers to question inherited social structures and recognize the human cost of caste-based discrimination. A must-read book for all generations, from young to old.
