The World of the Untouchable

A study of untouchability in caste India. Originally published in French, it combines scholarship with field work among the most shudra (Untouchable) community within the caste hierarchy in India: the Paraiyars of Tamil Nadu. Robert Deliege discusses both the historiography of writing on the caste as well as the vivid reality of caste discrimination in practice. Dr Ambedkar's life and work, and policies and programmes of positive discrimination are all explored.