> THE DALITS OF INDIA
					In India there are approximately 240 million Dalits or untouchables, nearly 1/4 of the population. They are not considered to be part of the human society, but something which is beyond that. Dalits are seen as polluting for the upper caste Hindu. If they are touched (even just their shadow) the higher caste must go through extensive rituals to be cleansed. The Dalits are poor, deprived and generally socially backward. They perform the most menial and degrading jobs, like street sweeping. Often they do not have access to enough food and are dependent upon the higher castes for alms (gifts) to survive. continue... © 2005 Ryan Schmidt