Untouchability

noun (uncountable)

/ʌnˌtʌtʃəˈbɪlɪti/

The practice of social discrimination — rooted in the Hindu caste system's concept of ritual pollution — by which certain groups (called achhoots or untouchables) were denied physical contact, access to public spaces, temples, water sources, and other social rights; abolished under Article 17 of the Constitution and criminalised by the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

By abolishing untouchability under Article 17 and criminalising its practice in any form, the Constitution sought not merely to outlaw a social evil but to restore the dignity and equal moral worth of citizens long relegated to the margins of public life.

Synonyms

caste-based exclusionsocial ostracismritual segregationcasteismsocial pollutionpariahdom

Antonyms

social inclusionegalitarianismequalitysocial integration

🌱 Word Family

untouchable (n/adj), touch (v), touchable (adj), untouched (adj), untouchables (n pl)

🔡 Root

Sanskrit asprishyatā: a- = negation + sprishya = touchable, from spriś = to touch; English un- + touchable + -ity

📜 Etymology

From un- + touchable + -ity; Indian English term for the Sanskrit concept of asprishyatā (from a- negation + sprishya "touchable", from spriś "to touch"). The term gained international currency through B.R. Ambedkar's writings and campaigns.

🧠 Memory Hook

Un-touch-ability: literally the imposed condition of being treated as "not to be touched" - a person walled off by caste so that even contact is deemed defiling.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2020 — Fundamental Rights
Prelims 2017 — Fundamental Rights

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Untouchability” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

⚖️ Social Justice 📖 Seen in: Dalit Rights & SC/ST Atrocities Act — ...

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