Talk:Dalit

Hi all,

I am updating this edit request to ensure maximum precision for reviewing editors. This article incorrectly groups Scheduled Tribes (ST) under the term "Dalit," which legally and sociologically refers only to Scheduled Castes (SC). This conflation violates core policies: WP:BLP/MOS:ETHNICITY (imprecise, inaccurate labeling), WP:V (contradicting the provided sources), and WP:SYNTH (synthesizing distinct legal categories under a generic umbrella term).

To ensure the article complies with standard Wikipedia guidelines, I request the following four exact text replacements based on the constitutional, legal, and historical references cited below.

1. In the Infobox (under "Related ethnic groups"):

• Change: Munda
• To: [Remove entry. Munda are a Scheduled Tribe/Adivasi community, not a related Scheduled Caste/Dalit group]

2. In the "Terminology" section:

• Change: The term Dalit is often used as an umbrella term that includes both Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• To: The term Dalit specifically refers to Scheduled Castes (SC), while Scheduled Tribes (ST) are distinct indigenous communities collectively known as Adivasis.

3. In the "Crime" section:

• Change: "While Dalits (including both SCs and STs) constitute 25 per cent of the Indian population..."
• To: "While Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) combined constitute roughly 25 per cent of the Indian population..."

4. In the "Political" section:

• Change: "...allocations under the Tribal Sub-Plan funds for the welfare of Dalits."
• To: "...allocations under the Tribal Sub-Plan funds for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes."

• Legal Framework: Under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 (Article 341), SC status is restricted by religion (limited to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists). Conversely, Article 342 for Scheduled Tribes (ST) has no religious bar; ST individuals fully retain their legal identity while practicing Christianity, Islam, or indigenous faiths like Sarnaism.
• Sociological & Historical Distinction: Historically, Dalits (SC) were classified as Avarna (outside the Varna system) but remained economically integrated at the bottom of village hierarchies, facing ritual untouchability codified in texts like the Manusmriti. Conversely, STs (Adivasis) historically lived outside the village structure in hills and forests; their socio-economic challenges stemmed from geographical and cultural isolation rather than ritual untouchability (as outlined by the Lokur Committee).
• Cultural Integration: Unlike the historical temple exclusion faced by Dalits, many ST communities share an integrated relationship with broader Indian traditions. For example, Lord Jagannath's origins are rooted in the tribal deity Nila Madhava of the Savara tribe, and epic figures like Shabari and Ekalavya are revered within the texts.

1. The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 (Paragraph 3 regarding the religious restriction).
2. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (Article 342, community-based recognition without a religious bar).
3. Lokur Committee Report (1965) (Official criteria defining Scheduled Tribes by isolation and primitive traits, distinct from untouchability).
4. M.N. Srinivas, "Social Change in Modern India" (1966) (On tribal absorption paths vs. rigid caste hierarchy placement).
5. G.S. Ghurye, "The Scheduled Tribes" (1963) (Detailing the socio-cultural independence of tribal communities).
6. The Manusmriti (Chapter X) (Codification of segregation and ritual untouchability rules for out-castes).
7. Skanda Purana (Vaishnava Khanda) (Textual records of Lord Jagannath's origins with the Savara tribe).
8. The Valmiki Ramayana & Mahabharata (Textual accounts respecting tribal figures Shabari and Ekalavya).

Daniel11101 (talk) 17:41, 3 July 2026 (UTC)Reply

I would like to propose a change regarding the use of the caste pyramid diagram- Indian Caste System ("1783135781351.jpg") in the article.

Could we either completely remove this image or update its caption to include a clear disclaimer?

The diagram accurately shows Dalits at the base of the traditional Varna system, but it completely leaves out Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis). Because people frequently conflate SCs and STs due to shared legal and socioeconomic categories, showing this pyramid without context is highly misleading. It accidentally gives readers the impression that indigenous tribal groups are part of the bottom of the Hindu caste hierarchy, whereas they historically lived as parallel, independent societies entirely outside of it. Providing a disclaimer or removing the image would prevent this systemic misrepresentation and align the page better with verifiable facts. Daniel11101 (talk) 03:46, 4 July 2026 (UTC)Reply