"Unveiling the Veil: The Past, Present, and Future of Dalit Women's Struggles within the Caste System – A Disability-Inclusive Perspective on 75 Years of Independent India"

Abstract

This Study explores the multifaceted challenges faced by Dalit women within the intricate web of the caste system in India, suffering from three social disabilities such as untouchability, and atrocity which is an act of extreme cruelty committed against them, as bonded labor. Dalits have been supposed to be untouchables since ancient ages and suppressed to follow the Hindu faith. With the backdrop of India's 75 years of independence, it has been scrutinized the historical legacy of oppression and discrimination, the present-day struggles, and the prospects of the Dalit community, particularly focusing on the often-neglected dimension of disability inclusion. This article will help us to feel the condition of the Dalit women from a marginalized group within a marginalized community, and their experiences through a unique lens through which it can examine the enduring social inequalities that persist in contemporary India. The intersectionality of caste and gender compounds the adversity they face, further exacerbated by the additional dimension of disability, which often remains unnoticed or overlooked in mainstream discourse. This study will try to employ a multidisciplinary approach through incorporating historical analysis. This study will also highlight the historical roots of the Dalit women's struggle, tracing the origins of their social exclusion and economic marginalization. This historical perspective will shed light on how the caste system has evolved over the years and how it has continued to affect the lives of Dalit women, especially those with disabilities. It also examines the myriad challenges that Dalit women encounter, such as limited access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and political representation. The paper highlights the importance of a disability-inclusive approach to address the unique needs of Dalit women with disabilities. Finally, it is demanded that policy recommendations and community-based initiatives to ensure these women are not left behind in India's journey toward greater social inclusion, equity, and justice.