Untouchability is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system that prescribes stringent social sanctions against members of castes below the purity-pollution scale. Strictly speaking, the untouchables are outside the caste hierarchy, they are considered so 'impure' that their mere touch seriously pollutes the members of all castes, bringing terrible punishments for the former and elaborate purification rituals for the latter. 

does obliges to do. In fact, the notion of 'distance pollution' was present in many areas of India, even the presence or shadow of an 'untouchable' person was considered polluting. Despite the limited literal meaning of the word, the institution of 'untouchability' refers not only to the avoidance or prohibition of physical contact, but also to a broader set of social restrictions.

There are three main dimensions of untouchability – namely exclusion, humiliation-subjugation and exploitation – all equally important to define the phenomenon. Dalits experience forms of exclusion that are unique and not prevalent against other groups, for example, are forbidden to share drinking water sources or participate in mass religious worship, social gatherings and festivals. Happen They can also involve being coerced into a subordinate role. Finally, untouchability is a pan-India phenomenon, although its specific forms and intensity vary greatly across regions and socio-historical contexts.