Which statement explains why Dalits were considered to be “untouchable” and “unseeable”?(1 point)
Responses
They were highly favored by the gods and could not be approached.
They were highly favored by the gods and could not be approached.
They worked as servants to the upper castes.
They worked as servants to the upper castes.
They were considered to be unclean because they raised livestock.
They were considered to be unclean because they raised livestock.
They performed jobs that dealt with contamination and what was considered spiritual pollution.
They performed jobs that dealt with contamination and what was considered spiritual pollution.
The correct statement is:
They performed jobs that dealt with contamination and what was considered spiritual pollution.
The correct statement that explains why Dalits were considered to be "untouchable" and "unseeable" is: "They performed jobs that dealt with contamination and what was considered spiritual pollution."
To understand why Dalits were regarded as "untouchable" and "unseeable," it is important to have some background knowledge about the caste system in India. The caste system is a centuries-old social hierarchy that categorizes people into different groups based on their birth, occupation, and social status.
In this system, Dalits, also known as "Scheduled Castes" or "Untouchables," occupy the lowest position. They are considered impure and outside the traditional four-tier caste structure. Dalits were historically assigned jobs that involved working with or disposing of things deemed unclean or impure, such as handling dead animals, cleaning human waste, or performing tasks associated with cremation grounds.
The belief in spiritual pollution was a significant factor behind the notion of untouchability. According to Hinduism, people who perform "polluting" tasks create spiritual impurity or sins that can contaminate others. Therefore, Dalits were outcast from society to prevent this supposed contamination from spreading.
It is essential to note that this explanation does not justify or condone such discrimination. The caste system and the practice of untouchability have been widely criticized and challenged for perpetuating social injustice and human rights abuses.