The word 'Dalit', in Sanskrit, means oppressed or downtrodden. In Marathi, the language first spoken by Dalit communities, it means 'broken to pieces'.

The Dalits are communities of people in India that are regarded as being on the lowest rung of the Hindu caste ladder. Numbering approximately 160 million, Dalits are denied access to land, forced to work in degrading conditions and routinely abused by the police and people from caste groups regarded as 'higher' on the hierarchy. Most Dalits live in extreme poverty, without opportunities for better employment or education. Dalit women, in particular, face the triple burden of caste, class and gender.

Despite the widespread and serious nature of caste discrimination, the Dalit situation is largely unknown, even within India. However, the Dalit Foundation of India is leading the fight against caste discrimination in India, through widespread campaigning and the support of a large number of grassroots NGOs.

Photos by Nishant Lalwani. All photos are property of the photographer.
If you wish to use any of the photos or donate to help the Dalit cause, please contact the photographer at dalit@nishantlalwani.co.uk.