Question

The extreme form of the social discrimination is _______________.

• A. Practice of untouchability
• B. Religious freedom
• C. Accumulation of wealth
• D. Unequal political rights

Answer 1

The correct option is A Practice of untouchability

‘Untouchability’ is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system that prescribes stringent social sanctions against members of castes located at the bottom of the purity-pollution scale. Strictly speaking, the ‘untouchable’ castes are outside the caste hierarchy – they are considered to be so ‘impure’ that their mere touch severely pollutes members of all other castes, bringing terrible punishment for the former and forcing the latter to perform elaborate purification rituals. Notions of ‘distance pollution’ existed in many regions of India (particularly in the south) such that even the mere presence or the shadow of an ‘untouchable’ person is considered polluting. Untouchability also includes political and economic oppression, hence, Option A is correct. The rest of the inequalities do not lead to complete ostracisation from society, hence, incorrect.