Paper Details

Untouchability emerged as an important feature of the Indian social system through the gradual transformation of the varna order into a complex caste structure. During the Early Medieval period, social, economic, religious, and political changes led to the expansion of untouchable communities, particularly occupational groups such as the Chandalas and other Antyaja castes. This paper examines the origin, development, and social position of untouchable communities in Early Medieval India. The study is based on an analytical examination of Vedic literature, Dharmasutras, Smritis, Buddhist and Jain texts, accounts of foreign travellers, and the views of modern historians. It argues that by the Early Medieval period, untouchability had evolved beyond a religious concept into an institutionalized social system supported by occupational divisions and notions of purity and pollution, thereby reinforcing social inequality.

Untouchability, Antyaja, Shudras, Untouchables, Castes, Anuloma-Pratiloma, Al-Biruni, Chandalas, Washermen (Rajakas), Leatherworkers (Charmakaras), Hadis