Origin and Meaning of Dalit

Oppressed / Broken

Origin: Sanskrit - Derived from the Sanskrit word 'dal' which means 'to break' or 'to crush', and 'Dalit' translates to 'the broken' or 'the oppressed'.

• Dalit is primarily associated with the social group in India historically known as 'Untouchables' or 'Scheduled Castes'.
• The name encapsulates a social and political identity, highlighting struggles against discrimination and striving for social justice.
• Notable figures bearing the name include B.R. Ambedkar, an Indian lawyer and social reformer who played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of Dalits.
• While not commonly used as a conventional first name, it symbolizes a significant movement in modern Indian society and often appears in activist contexts.
• Variations of the term are used in different contexts, sometimes associated with broader themes of equality, human rights, and social reform.