Dalit, Structural Violence, and Stigma in India: An Approach to Study the Untouchability

This article delves into the intricate layers of the Indian caste system, a deeply rooted social hierarchy that has persisted for centuries. Focusing on the stigma of untouchability faced by Dalits, a marginalised group within the Jati system, the study shifts its focus from direct violence to the structural violence inflicted through stigmatisation. Conducted in a rural village in Odisha, India, the research aims to uncover the covert agendas shaping societal attitudes. The study provides nuanced insights by comparing the experiences of touchability and untouchability among Dalits and non-Dalits within a specific time and space. The methodology employed in this research encompassed extensive fieldwork, interviews, and observations. The study addresses gaps in contemporary research through rigorous data collection and analysis, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the Indian Jati system. It delves into the multi-layered nature of untouchability practices within a society, revealing that even among untouchables, hierarchies exist. An essential aspect highlighted in the article is the significance of comprehending the unique village structures. The study emphasises that the position of a lower Dalit category in one village might translate to a higher hierarchy in another, underlining the contextual intricacies of caste dynamics.