IGNOUMATIC

The response of Indian nationalists to caste and untouchability was multifaceted, reflecting the broader struggle for independence and social reform during the colonial period. Nationalist leaders, although united in the common goal of attaining independence from British rule, exhibited varying views and approaches when it came to the issue of caste and untouchability.

Early Nationalists and Social Reforms:
The response to caste and untouchability can be traced back to the early Indian nationalists, who were predominantly from the upper castes and aimed at political freedom from British colonialism. Some early leaders, including Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, took a reformist stance towards social issues, including caste discrimination. Gokhale, through his efforts with the Servants of India Society, supported educational initiatives for the lower castes. However, caste discrimination was not seen as a major focus in the early phase of the nationalist struggle, as the priority was on political emancipation from colonial rule.

The Role of Social Reform Movements:
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Indian nationalist movement coincided with the emergence of social reform movements. Reformers like Swami Vivekananda, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotirao Phule challenged the rigid caste hierarchy and the practice of untouchability. Phule, in particular, was an outspoken critic of the caste system and initiated efforts to uplift the Dalits (then referred to as the ‘untouchables’) through education and social reform. He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seeking Society) to promote the welfare of the lower castes.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Dalit Question:
Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian freedom struggle, played a crucial role in addressing caste and untouchability. Gandhi’s response to caste discrimination, particularly untouchability, was grounded in his philosophy of Sarvodaya (welfare for all) and Ahimsa (non-violence). He coined the term “Harijan” (children of God) to refer to the untouchables, urging society to treat them with dignity. Gandhi’s engagement with the untouchables was part of his broader commitment to social justice, though his approach to caste reform was often criticized for being paternalistic by some Dalit leaders, who felt that Gandhi’s focus on moral persuasion was insufficient.

Gandhi’s efforts led to significant social reforms, such as the establishment of the All India Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932, aimed at promoting the welfare of the untouchables. However, his advocacy was more symbolic than radical, and while he worked to improve the lives of Dalits, he did not fundamentally challenge the caste system’s hierarchical nature.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Dalit Movement:
While Gandhi’s approach was notable, it was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key figure in the struggle against untouchability, who brought a more confrontational and structural critique of the caste system. Ambedkar, a brilliant scholar and social reformer, was born into a Mahar family, one of the lowest castes in India. His personal experience with caste-based discrimination deeply influenced his views. Unlike Gandhi, Ambedkar did not believe in the reform of the caste system but called for its complete abolition. Ambedkar’s views were expressed in his writings, speeches, and actions, particularly his role in drafting the Indian Constitution. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ambedkar ensured that provisions for the abolition of untouchability (Article 17 of the Constitution) were included, establishing a legal framework for addressing caste discrimination.

Ambedkar’s Dalit movement was also politically significant. He led the Depressed Classes towards organizing themselves politically, resulting in the formation of the Scheduled Castes Federation. His stance, particularly in the Poona Pact of 1932 (after the British government proposed separate electorates for Dalits), demonstrated his resolve to fight for the political rights of the untouchables. Ambedkar’s contributions laid the foundation for the Dalit liberation movement post-independence.

Post-Independence Nationalist Response:
After independence, the Indian Constitution, influenced heavily by Ambedkar, took a strong stand against untouchability and caste discrimination. Article 17 of the Constitution abolished untouchability, and affirmative action provisions such as reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) were implemented to address the social and economic disparities faced by these communities. The nationalists, post-independence, generally supported the legal and institutional measures aimed at the upliftment of the Dalits, although caste-based discrimination remained deeply entrenched in certain parts of Indian society.Conclusion:
The response of the nationalists to caste and untouchability evolved over time. While early nationalists showed some concern for social reform, it was leaders like Gandhi and Ambedkar who brought caste issues into the forefront of the national discourse. Gandhi’s reformist efforts contrasted with Ambedkar’s radical stance on caste abolition, but both contributed significantly to addressing caste discrimination in India. Post-independence, the legal framework established by the Indian Constitution aimed at tackling untouchability and caste discrimination, though societal change remains a work in progress.