Dalit: The Black Untouchables of India

by V.T. Rajshekar, Y.N. Kly (Foreword), Runoko Rashidi (Contributor)

After Centuries of slavery, apartheid and ethnocide, the silence is broken. One hundred million Dalits in India, the twentieth century's largest, most repressed minority, cry out for the ear of the world.

Genres: India, Asia

100 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

V. T. Rajshekar was an Indian journalist who was the founder and editor of the Dalit Voice, which has been described by Human Rights Watch as "India's most widely circulated Dalit journal".
He was formerly a journalist on the Indian Express, where he worked for 25 years. He founded 'Dalit Voice' organisation a radical wing of the broader movement for Dalit interests.

Reviews

[Rhea Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a devastating read. While I was aware of the struggles of the Dalits, I am generally unfamiliar of the nuances of India's caste system. It cannot be overstated how conditions in India for many marginalized groups have continued to deteriorate since this book had been published. Author V.T. Rajshekar died in 2024 and, until his death, asserted that the material conditions of the uUntouchables in India have yet to improve, despite human rights laws being passed left and right. This book not only dives into the ways in which the Dalits have suffered, but traces the thread back in time to remind us all how such human rights violations have been possible. As an Indian-American, it's difficult to find a tangible connection to a religion that has been the source of such suffering. Nevertheless, a necessary read for any Indian leftist, especially since the "leftist" Indians I know are...EVIL!

[Born Uhuru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short introductory account of the Black population of India that are being downpressed by the 1000+ year caste system which Hinduism plays a significant part. The book just directs you to the problem but lacks any serious account of the “Scheduled Caste”/“Untouchability.” Definitely recommend.

[Kevin McAvoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A valid look at Dalit experiences in India.