Annihilation of Caste

Content Warning: This text contains intense criticisms of religious beliefs, specifically those in Hinduism. It also references social discrimination and systemic oppression.

In Hindu religion and society, one’s caste is the social group to which one belongs by birth and circumstance. The ordering of the various castes is largely hereditary, and the castes function across a wide range of social structures and institutions. The various castes divide up Hindu society and serve to segregate the various groups from one another, especially in regard to keeping the lower castes from fraternizing with caste members of higher status.

In the context of Annihilation of Caste, the term “Dalit” holds profound significance. Ambedkar, a Dalit himself, used this term to describe communities historically marginalized and oppressed within the caste system. Dalits, often referred to as Scheduled Castes, faced severe discrimination and untouchability. Ambedkar's advocacy for Dalit rights and his call for the annihilation of caste were central themes in his work. “Dalit” in this context encapsulates a political and social identity, symbolizing the struggle for empowerment, dignity, and the dismantling of deeply entrenched caste-based inequalities.