Dalits and Their Religious Identity in India: A Critical Look at Existing Practices

Abstract

India is one of the most diversified states as far as religion is concerned. Freedom of religion in India is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. It ensures that all citizens have the right to practice and promote their religions. On the other side of the coin, there have been many incidents of religious intolerance with respect to Dalits. Since ages, Dalits have never been allowed to practice mainstream Hindu religion. Due to the lack of proper recognition in the mainstream of Hindu religion, Dalits have been adopting religions such as Christianity and Buddhism. Because of this, they are being brutally attacked by the so-called Hindu fundamentalists. As such, Dalits, who are around 20 per cent of the total population, have religious freedom in principle and lack the same in practice. In this critical game, Dalit Christians have been victimized in a greater sense. It is in this background that the article examines the constitutional obligations to offer freedom of religion in practice and the status on freedom of religion as it exists, especially with special reference to the Dalits. This article explores the incidents of religious intolerance which Dalit Christians face in India. Finally, this article summarizes, against the backdrop of some cases, the perceptions of Dalits and Dalit Christians on freedom of religion in India and their experiences.