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This article throws light upon the four major disabilities faced by the untouchables. They are: 1. Social Disability 2. Economic Disability 3. Religious Disability 4. Political Disability.
Disability # 1. Social Disability:
Untouchables suffer this type of disability in case of social sphere.
(a) Prevention from the use of Public wells, Bathing Ghats funeral grounds etc.
(b) Prevention from the use of public roads.
(c) Prevention from entering schools.
Disability # 2. Economic Disability:
In economic sphere, untouchables face some imposed disabilities:
(a) They were forced to take up their conventional occupation.
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(b) The untouchables were not allowed to take up the job or profession meant for higher castes.
(c) They suffer from utter poverty because of their economic backwardness caused by imposed disabilities.
(d) Majority of untouchables are today working as landless labourers.
(e) Their sources of earning are limited.
(f) They were having no right of landed property ownership.
Disability # 3. Religious Disability:
In the sphere of religious life, the untouchables face various disabilities:
(a) They were prohibited from entering temples.
(b) They were not allowed to approach the cremation grounds due to impurity caused by their physical presence.
(c) Their worshipping in the temples is also prohibited because their presence would defile the God as well as other worshippers.
Disability # 4. Political Disability:
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The untouchables also suffered from political disabilities for centuries:
(a) They were not given any place in politics, administration and the general governance of the country.
(b) They were not allowed to hold any public post.
(c) They were denied of political rights and representation.
(d) For the first time, during British period, they were given the right to vote.