ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief run-up to the advent of Ambedkar on the Dalit horizon. The Western modernity induced unease in the erstwhile ruling elites which resulted in two types of reactions. While the orthodox section resented it and turned more inward and defensive, the relatively more enlightened, the English-educated intelligentsia felt the need for reforms in Hindu society. The early movements of the Dalits were catalysed by those who freed themselves from economic or psychological subservience of the village structure during the colonial period. There was a Namasudra movement in Bengal, Paraya movements in Tamil Nadu, Pulayar movement in Kerala, Adi movements in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, Satnami movement in Chhattisgarh and Mahar movements in Maharashtra as Dalit-led movements. The Adi Dharm movements erupted in the north asserting the religious identity of the Dalits and negating their links with Hinduism. Another Adi movement is associated with Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia, born on 14 January 1886 in village Mugowal, Hoshiarpur.
