Definition

Noun: 1. A member of the lowest social and ritual class in the traditional Hindu caste system of India; an outcast. The term literally means "a person of God" and was popularized by Mahatma Gandhi to refer to those traditionally considered "untouchable."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Gandhi worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the harijans.
  • The term harijan was coined to replace more derogatory labels for the outcast community.
  • Despite legal protections, many harijans still face social discrimination.

Advanced Usage

• The term "Harijan" is often capitalized when referring to the social group as a whole.
  • The Harijan community has a rich cultural history.

Variants and Related Words

• Dalit (n): The contemporary and preferred term for members of this social group, meaning "oppressed" or "broken." It is a term of political identity and assertion.
  • The Dalit rights movement continues to fight for equality.
• Scheduled Caste (n): The official administrative term used in the Constitution of India for historically disadvantaged castes.
  • The government has policies for the welfare of Scheduled Castes.

Synonyms

• Untouchable (n, historical/offensive): A now largely offensive historical term for a person considered ritually impure.
• Outcaste (n): A person who has been expelled from or born outside of the traditional caste system.

Important Note on Usage

• While "Harijan" was introduced with positive intent, many within the community now consider it patronizing and prefer the term "Dalit" as a term of self-identification and political empowerment. It is important to be aware of the evolving and sensitive nature of this terminology.

Noun

1. belongs to lowest social and ritual class in India