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Sociology · Sociology of Indian Society

Chapter 9 : THE SCHEDULED CASTES: THEIR PROBLEMS, AND WELFARE MEASURES FOR THEIR UPLIFTMENT

Table of contents44 sections
  1. 1.THE SCHEDULED CASTES: THEIR PROBLEMS, AND WELFARE MEASURES FOR THEIR UPLIFTMENT
  2. 2.Introduction
  3. 3.Key Terms
  4. 4.📌 Exam Tidbits
  5. 5.The Scheduled Castes [SCs]
  6. 6.Emergence and Definition of the Term
  7. 7.Sociological Definitions and Classifications
  8. 8.Numerical Strength and Distribution
  9. 9.Key Terms
  10. 10.📌 Exam Tidbits
  11. 11.Problem of Untouchability
  12. 12.Meaning and Ancient References
  13. 13.Criteria of Untouchability
  14. 14.Anomalies and Gradations Within Untouchables
  15. 15.Origin of Untouchability: 4 Theories
  16. 16.Key Terms
  17. 17.📌 Exam Tidbits
  18. 18.Problems of Untouchable Castes
  19. 19.1. Social Problems and Disabilities
  20. 20.2. Economic Problems and Disabilities
  21. 21.3. Political Disabilities
  22. 22.4. Problem of Atrocities Against Untouchables
  23. 23.Harmful Effects of the Practice of Untouchability
  24. 24.Key Terms
  25. 25.📌 Exam Tidbits
  26. 26.Removal of Untouchability
  27. 27.Early Attempts
  28. 28.Role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956 / 1893–1956)
  29. 29.Role of Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)
  30. 30.Key Terms
  31. 31.📌 Exam Tidbits
  32. 32.Measures for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes
  33. 33.A. Constitutional and Legislative Measures
  34. 34.B. Other Welfare Measures and Programmes
  35. 35.A Brief Evaluation of Welfare Measures
  36. 36.Key Terms
  37. 37.📌 Exam Tidbits
  38. 38.Increasing Dalit Consciousness and Its Effects
  39. 39.Interpretations of the Term "Dalit"
  40. 40.Increasing Awareness and Its Consequences
  41. 41.Conclusion
  42. 42.Key Terms
  43. 43.📌 Exam Tidbits
  44. 44.Quick-Recall Box

Chapter preview

THE SCHEDULED CASTES: THEIR PROBLEMS, AND WELFARE MEASURES FOR THEIR UPLIFTMENT

Introduction

All permanently organised societies are stratified. Most societies of the world have had their type of what Ward calls "the lowly".

  • Historical Analogies: The Romans had their plebeians, the Spartans their 'helots', the British their villains, the Egyptians their slaves, the Americans their Negroes, and the Germans their Jews.
  • Likewise, the Hindus have the "untouchables." While slavery and serfdom have vanished, untouchability still exists.
  • The practice of untouchability affects more than 1/6 of the population of India.
  • The Constitution of independent India unequivocally abolishes untouchability and makes its practice punishable.
  • Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) together constitute about 25% of the total population of India. Along with "denotified tribes" and "other economically backward groups", they are sometimes referred to as "backward classes."

Key Terms

ConceptDefinition
"The lowly"A term used by Ward to describe the bottom-most stratified groups in various historical societies (e.g., plebeians, helots, untouchables).
Denotified tribesGroups mentioned alongside SCs and STs that are sometimes referred to as "backward classes".
Backward classesA collective term sometimes used to refer to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, "denotified tribes", and "other economically backward groups".

📌 Exam Tidbits

  • Ward: Coined the concept of "the lowly" to describe the lowest strata across global societies.
  • Statistic: SCs and STs together constitute about 25% of India's total population.
  • Statistic: Untouchability affects more than 1/6 of India's population.

The Scheduled Castes [SCs]

The Scheduled Castes occupy the bottom-most rung of the social ladder and form the majority of the "backward" or "depressed" classes. They comprise the bulk of "untouchables" who were historically outside the caste system or Varna hierarchy.

Emergence and Definition of the Term

  • Origin: The term "Scheduled Castes" is a politico-legal one introduced by the British. It was first coined by the Simon Commission in 1928 and subsequently used in the Government of India Act, 1935.
  • Meaning: The word "schedule" refers to a "list" or "table". The 1935 Act "listed" out specific castes as the most inferior ones requiring special attention.
  • Constitutional…
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Chapter 10 : BACKWARD CASTES/CLASSES [OBCs] THEIR PROBLEMS AND WELFARE