The Dalit caste list in India refers to the Scheduled Castes (SCs), which are the lowest and most marginalized caste group in the Hindu caste system. The term “Dalit” means “oppressed” or “broken” and is used to describe people who have historically faced social, economic, and political discrimination in Indian society. The Indian Constitution recognizes SCs as a disadvantaged group and provides them with various constitutional safeguards and affirmative action measures.
The following is a list of Dalit castes in India, as classified by the Indian government:
- Ad Dharmi
- Adi Andhra
- Adi Dravida
- Arunthathiyar
- Balmiki, Chura, Bhangi, Mehtar
- Bhangi, Mehtar
- Bhil Mina, Bhil, Bhil Garasia, Dholi Bhil, Dungri Bhil, Dungri Garasia, Mewasi Bhil, Rawal Bhil, Tadvi Bhil, Bhagalia, Bhilala, Pawra, Vasava, Vasave
- Chamar, Jatia Chamar, Rehgar, Raigar, Ramdasia, Ramdasia Sikh, Ravidasia, Balahi, Banjara, Bawarij, Bazigar, Bhanjra, Chamar-Rohidas, Chanwar, Dhusia, Doom, Ghusia, Jatav, Jatava, Khateek, Lalbegi, Leather worker, Mochi, Raidas, Ramgarhia, Rangrez, Senva, Teli
- Dhanuk
- Dom, Dhangad, Dhaki, Tokari, Dombar, Doomna, Maur
- Ghasi, Ghasiya, Ghasiara
- Godda
- Hadi, Hadiya, Hemrom, Hari
- Kabirpanthi
- Khatik, or Khateek, Kasai
- Kori, Koli, Koeri
- Madari
- Mahar, Taral, Dhegu Megu, Megh
- Mang, Matang
- Musahar, Mushahar
- Namassej
- Pasi, Bakhoi, Bhar, Bhale, Chamar-Raigar, Raigar, Ramoshi, Swasi
- Perna, Berad, Bharadwaj, Gayaka, Parangi, Paraiyar, Samban, Sambavar, Sambava, Senai, Yellammala
- Raikwar, Kharwar
- Rajbhar
- Satnami, Dusadh
- Valmiki, Balmiki
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and may vary depending on the region of India. Additionally, caste-based discrimination and violence against Dalits continue to persist in India, despite the legal protections in place.