Question

Which statement explains why Dalits were considered to be ""untouchable"" and ""unseeable""? Option 1: They performed jobs that dealt with contamination and what was considered spiritual pollution. Option 2: They were highly favored by the gods and could not be approached. Option 3: They worked as servants to the upper castes. Option 4: They were considered to be unclean because they raised livestock.

Answer 1

Dalits were considered 'untouchable' and 'unseeable' because they performed jobs that involved contamination and were considered sources of spiritual pollution. These jobs included handling dead bodies and animal products. Though such discriminatory practices are now illegal, remnants of these attitudes still persist in parts of India. So the correct answer is Option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that explains why Dalits were considered 'untouchable' and 'unseeable' is Option 1: They performed jobs that dealt with contamination and what was considered spiritual pollution. In the traditional Hindu caste system, Dalits performed the least desired jobs, often involving activities that were considered impure or unclean. The stigmas attached to these duties led to them being seen as 'untouchable' and even 'unseeable'.

Some of these jobs included handling dead bodies, human waste, and animal products, which were all seen as sources of spiritual pollution. As a result of their jobs and their position in the caste system, Dalits were socially marginalized and often lived in separate communities from the rest of society.

This system of social stratification and discrimination is now largely illegal in India, where efforts have been made to uplift the conditions of the Dalits. However, the societal attitudes and prejudices still persist in some parts of India.

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