ABSTRACT
Traditionally, Hindu society is stratified into castes, with Brahmins (priests and educators), Kshatriyas (warriors) and Vaishyas (traders) occupying the highest positions. The present-day “Scheduled Castes” or Dalits are the part of Shudra caste—the lowest rung in the social hierarchy. Traditional belief has it that, born from the feet of the deity, Shudras are destined to serve the upper caste and perform menial jobs, such as cleaning, washing and laboring in the fields. Caste status is ascribed at birth, based on family lineage, and there is no upward mobility in this rigid system.
