Dalit

(“oppressed”) Modern name for the
social groups that have the lowest social
status, groups that in earlier times
would have been called Harijan or
untouchable. This term is significant
because it is the name used by lowstatus groups to designate themselves as
members of a disadvantaged group.
Adoption and popularization of this
term reflects their growing awareness of
the situation, and their greater assertiveness in demanding their legal and constitutional rights. In certain parts of the
country, particularly in the state of
Maharashtra, the Dalits have formed a
militant organization called the Dalit
Panthers, modeled after the Black
Panthers in America.