Dalit
Dalit
NounAdjective
pl: Dalits
The term is a self-chosen identifier meaning "broken" or "scattered" in Marathi and Hindi. It was adopted by activists to replace the derogatory term "untouchable," shifting the narrative from one of ritual impurity to one of political consciousness and social oppression.
Because it is a proper noun referring to a specific social and political identity, it is almost always capitalized. When used as an adjective, it describes the systemic struggles, cultural identity, or legal status of this community rather than a personal characteristic.