Social Stratification — Important Questions

Section 17

According to the chapter, Section 17 of the Constitution prohibits the practice of untouchability. This is a specific constitutional provision that makes untouchability illegal. Section 15 deals with prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Section 16 deals with equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. Section 25 guarantees free entry to all people to social and religious places. While all these sections promote equality, Section 17 specifically addresses and prohibits untouchability.

Opinion formed about a person or community before knowing them

The chapter defines prejudice as the opinion a person forms about another person or community even before he gets to know them. This pre-formed opinion can be positive or negative, but when created by discrimination, it leads to negative feelings like impatience, contempt, and hatred. Legal judgment refers to court decisions, not social prejudice. Government policies and educational curriculum are institutional matters, not personal prejudices. Prejudice is specifically about pre-conceived notions or biases that people form without proper knowledge or experience.

1955

According to the chapter, the 'Untouchability (Offences) Act' was implemented in 1955. This was an important law to make untouchability a punishable offense. 1947 is incorrect as it was the year of India's independence. 1976 is when the Act was amended and renamed as 'Citizens' Rights Protection Act' to address some shortcomings. 1989 refers to when special regulations were made giving state governments particular responsibilities regarding eradication of untouchability. The original Act of 1955 was the first comprehensive legal measure against untouchability.

Pampa

The chapter specifically mentions that the great Kannada poet Pampa declared 'Truly, the whole mankind is one' (ಮಾನವ ಪುತ್ರ ವೃಂದೇಕೇ ಮಲ). This statement emphasizes the unity and equality of all human beings, contradicting the practice of discrimination. Kalidasa was a Sanskrit poet known for his classical works. Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Kabir was a saint-poet who opposed caste distinctions. While these poets also promoted social harmony, it was specifically Pampa who made this particular declaration about human unity mentioned in the chapter.