Breaking Chains: A Historical Timeline to Struggle of Untouchables for Education

This research article delves into the historical, socio-cultural, and contemporary perspectives of education for the untouchable communities in India, also known as Dalits. The education was denied to the untouchables in a highly vertical hierarchal caste system where prevalent notions of purity, endogamy, prohibition on inter-dining etc. were life death issue of higher caste Hindus. In the coming of the East India Company to the India since 1757, some of these untouchables employed in various roles in their Army, got the first hand idea of modern education and the Christian Missionaries efforts to spread their religion brought the light of education to them. After completing his course of study in Scottish Mission’s High School in Pune, a young Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, opened his first school for low-caste (Shudratishudra) girls in 1848. His efforts were equally supported by her devoted wife Savitri Bai Phule and his likeminded friends, who supported his cause with money and kind. His constant demand to the Government for allowing the untouchables access to public schools brought the desired result when the British Government allowed the untouchable student’s admission to Government Schools. The struggle has passed through many developments including Hunter Commission formed in 1882; the demands of affirmative action for educations, reservation in employment, scholarships have been raised from time to time by various Dalit Organizations including Satyashodhak Samaj, Shahu ji Maharaj, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Despite constitutional guarantees and affirmative action policies, Dalits have faced systemic discrimination and social exclusion, affecting their access to quality education. This paper examines various historical struggles waged by the untouchables in getting the human right of education.