| Total population | |
|---|---|
| at least 9% of Indian Christians[1] 90% of Pakistani Christians | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India and Pakistan (majority) Bangladesh and Nepal (minority) | |
| Religions | |
| Christianity | |
| Scriptures | |
| Bible |
The term Dalit Christian or Christian Dalit is used to describe those who have converted to Christianity from other forms of religion in the Indian subcontinent, and are still categorised as Dalits in Hindu, Christian, Muslim, and Sikh societies in South Asia. Hindu Dalits are sometimes referred to as Harijans. About 90% of Pakistani Christians are Dalits from the Chuhra caste and at least 9% of Indian Christians are Dalits, categorised thus by the greater societal practices in various parts of the Indian subcontinent.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Despite their conversion to Christianity, this group often continues to face societal discrimination both within and outside their religious community due to the pervasive influence of the caste system. Although Christian missionaries during the colonial era aimed to dismantle the caste hierarchy within the Church, the traces of caste-based practices persist in some Christian communities today with practices and rituals distinct from other Christians. This article explores the historical journey and current status of Dalit Christians in the Indian Subcontinent, their struggles for equality, and their ongoing demand for recognition under the Indian Reservation policy. Furthermore, it sheds light on the cultural and religious expressions of Dalit Christians, including the emergence of Dalit Christian songs as a medium for social change in the 19th century.
- ^ a b "Minority affairs" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ "Why India needs more reliable data on Dalit Christians and Muslims". 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011", Wikipedia, 28 October 2019, retrieved 1 November 2019
- ^ Phan, Peter C. (2011). Christianities in Asia. John Wiley & Sons. p. 25. ISBN 978-1-4443-9260-9.
For example, 90 to 95% of Pakistani Christians are Punjabi of the chura (dalit) group converted from Hinduism rather than from Islam or local religious systems.
- ^ Sara, Singha; Ariel, Glucklich (23 April 2015). "Dalit Christians and Caste Consciousness in Pakistan". Retrieved 22 September 2020.
This study explores caste discrimination in Pakistan against untouchable (Dalit) converts to Christianity. During the nineteenth century in India, many Dalits converted to Christianity to escape caste persecution. In the 1870s in Punjab, a mass movement to Protestant Christianity flourished among the Dalit caste. The Chuhras were the largest menial caste in Punjab and engaged in degrading occupations including sweeping and sanitation work. By the 1930s, almost the entire caste converted to Protestant Christianity. In 1947, during the partition of India, the majority converts in Punjab became part of the Protestant community in Pakistan. After Partition, many uneducated were confined to menial jobs in the sanitation industry. Today, the stigma of Dalit ancestry is a distinct feature of social discrimination again Christians in Pakistan.
- ^ Michael, Editor S.M. (2007), Dalits in modern India : vision and values, New Delhi: Sage Publications, p. 82, ISBN 978-0761935711
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