Infographics
Milestones in Dalit history From Jyotirao Phule's 19th-century challenge to Brahmanical authority to the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling on sub-classification, this timeline traces a century and a half of struggle, legislation, and landmark moments that have shaped Dalit political identity and rights in India.
THE DALIT PROJECT
Milestones in Dalit history
1873
Satyashodhak Samaj founded Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule establish the Truth-Seekers' Society in Pune on 24 September, challenging Brahmanical authority and demanding education and dignity for the oppressed.
1927
Mahad Satyagraha On 20 March, Ambedkar leads thousands of Dalits to assert the right to drink from the Chavadar public tank at Mahad — India's first major Dalit civil-rights action.
1932
Poona Pact Signed on 24 September, the agreement reserves 148 seats in provincial legislatures for the Depressed Classes, replacing the separate-electorate Communal Award with joint electorates and reserved seats.
1950
Untouchability abolished Article 17 of the Constitution of India comes into force on 26 January, making the practice of untouchability in any form a punishable offence.
1956
Ambedkar embraces Buddhism On 14 October at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, Ambedkar converts to Buddhism alongside approximately 365,000 followers — one of the largest mass religious conversions in modern history.
1972
Dalit Panthers founded Namdeo Dhasal and J.V. Pawar found the organisation in Maharashtra, drawing on the militancy of the Black Panther Party to confront caste violence and cultural oppression.
1989
SC/ST Atrocities Act enacted Parliament passes the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act on 11 September, creating specific criminal offences for caste-based violence and humiliation.
2024
Supreme Court permits SC sub-classification On 1 August, a 7-judge Constitution Bench rules 6:1 in State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh that states may sub-classify within Scheduled Caste quotas to reach the most marginalised communities.
Sources: Wikipedia · Constitution of India · Supreme Court Observer
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