Question

Which among the following steps were taken by Mahatma Gandhi for the untouchables?

• A. Mahatma Gandhi called ‘untouchables’, Harijans and worked for their liberation.
• B. He organised satyagrahas to secure the Dalits entry into temples, access to public wells, tanks, roads, and schools.
• C. To dignify the work of the sweepers, he himself took up the task of cleaning toilets.
• D. He did not convince the upper-caste Hindus to give up the practice of untouchability.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

To dignify the work of the sweepers, he himself took up the task of cleaning toilets.

The untouchables were members of the poorest and most discriminated part of Indian society. The Indian National Congress for a long time ignored the Dalits, as they did not want to offend the Sanatanis or high-caste Hindus. Mahatma Gandhi called ‘untouchables’ as Harijans or “Children of God” and worked for their liberation. He organised satyagrahas to secure the Dalits entry into temples, access to public wells, tanks, roads, and schools. To dignify the work of the sweepers, he himself took up the task of cleaning toilets. He also tried to convince the so-called upper-caste Hindus to open up their hearts and give up the sin of untouchability.