This book explores the construction of India's Dalits (a marginalized group in Indian society) as a social, economic, and political category - the historical background which led to such conceptualization and their position in Indian society today. The book argues that in spite of the efforts made by India to ameliorate the conditions of Dalits, an appalling state of discrimination, exploitation, and atrocities still persists, based on the traditional ritual subordination. 'Untouchability' is deep-rooted in the Indian society. While it has come to be more of a mindset in urban areas, it is more tangible and visible in rural areas, where even one's physical touch is still prohibited. It has now passed from one generation to the next through socialization processes, and the untouchables have continued to suffer innumerable forms of discrimination, exploitation, and even socio-economic disability. It is against this backdrop that the book gives a panoramic view of the conditions of Dalits in Indian society.