Chandala is a Sanskrit word for someone who deals with disposal of corpses, and is a Hindu lower caste, traditionally considered to be untouchable.

Chandala (Sanskrit: चण्डाल) is a Sanskrit word for someone who deals with disposal of corpses, and is a Hindu lower caste,[1] traditionally considered to be untouchable

According to the Manu Smriti, there were some duties of the chandals.

1. The chandalas had to live outside the village. They used the discarded utensils and wore clothes of the dead. They also wore ornaments of iron.

2. They could not walk about in village and cities at night.

3. They had to dispose off the bodies of those who had no relatives. They served as the executioners.

4. They also performed polluting activities like handling corpses and dead animals. They were placed at the very bottom of the hierarchy.

Chandals: An Overview

Chandals were a social group in ancient Indian society who occupied the lowest position in the traditional caste hierarchy. They were considered untouchables and were subjected to extreme social discrimination and exclusion. The term "Chandal" is derived from the Sanskrit word "chandala," which means a person who deals with disposal of dead bodies.

Background

The social structure in ancient India was divided into four varnas or castes, with the Brahmins (priests and scholars) at the top and the Shudras (laborers and servants) at the bottom. Below the Shudras were the "untouchables" or the outcastes, who were considered impure and were ostracized from mainstream society. The Chandals belonged to this group.

Social Status and Occupation

The Chandals were considered impure and were deemed untouchable by the higher castes. They were assigned menial and degrading tasks such as handling dead bodies, disposing of carcasses, and working as sweepers and cleaners. They were not allowed to enter temples or participate in any religious ceremonies.

Social Exclusion

The Chandals faced extreme social exclusion and were subjected to various forms of discrimination. They were not allowed to live in the main village and were forced to reside in separate settlements on the outskirts. They were often barred from using common water sources and were prohibited from interacting with members of higher castes.

Religious Context

In Hinduism, the Chandals were considered ritually impure due to their association with death and carcasses. They were seen as polluting and were excluded from religious rituals and practices. The Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu text, explicitly mentioned the Chandals as untouchables and prescribed strict rules for their social segregation.

Evolution and Present Scenario

Over time, the social status of the Chandals has undergone some changes. With the spread of Buddhism and Jainism, which rejected the caste system, the Chandals found some acceptance and opportunities for social mobility. In modern India, with the abolition of untouchability and the implementation of affirmative action policies, there have been efforts to uplift the Chandals and integrate them into mainstream society.

Conclusion

The Chandals were a marginalized and oppressed group in ancient Indian society who faced severe discrimination and exclusion. Their social status as untouchables relegated them to the lowest rung of the caste hierarchy. However, with the passage of time and changing social dynamics, efforts have been made to improve their condition and provide them with equal rights and opportunities.