The Origin of Untouchables in Ancient Indian Society: A Historical Study.

Freedom and equality have been key characteristics of Indian culture, yet alongside these features, there have also been signs of deviation from time to time throughout Indian history. This occurs when an individual, group, or community, for their own selfish interests, uses Vedic and Sutra-Smriti-era narratives to impose various social and economic restrictions on members of another individual, group, or community. These restrictions include untouchability, forced labor, and prohibition from entering public places. The society that imposes these restrictions considers them their birthright, while the victimized, or so-called 'untouchable' society, accepts them as their destiny. Therefore, it is worth considering under what circumstances such a mindset arose in both groups. What was its social background? This research paper will present a historical and authentic study related to the origin of untouchables in ancient Indian society.