Why were untouchables outside the caste system?

Answer 1

Untouchables, also known as Dalits, were considered outside the traditional Caste System in India because they performed tasks deemed "impure" or "polluting," such as manual scavenging and leatherwork. This exclusion was rooted in social and religious beliefs that associated purity and status with specific occupations. As a result, untouchables faced severe discrimination and social ostracism, with their status reinforcing the rigid hierarchy of the caste system. Their marginalization highlighted the systemic inequalities that persisted in Indian society.