Understanding Untouchability: A Comrehensive Study of Practices and conditions in 1589 villages

To date, the tools used to assessthe status of untouchability have been divided by discipline—human rights, legal and social science. Although significant contributions toward understanding untouchability have been made in each of these areas, it is difficult to comprehend the scope and pervasiveness of the problem without combining the tools of all three. Over a four year period researchers have compiled quantitative, comprehensive and reliable data exposing the current state of untouchability (caste-based discrimination) against Dalitsi (“untouchables”) in Gujarat, India. This report presents data on untouchability practices in the villages of Gujaratuntouchability, caste-based discrimination, caste practices, Sociology