The Dalit Panther is a social and political organization that was founded in Maharashtra, India in 1972. The organization was formed as a response to the ongoing discrimination and violence faced by Dalits, who are the lowest caste in the Hindu social hierarchy.
The Dalit Panther movement was inspired by the Black Panther Party in the United States and sought to emulate its militant tactics and emphasis on self-defense. The organization’s primary goal was to fight against caste-based oppression and to assert the rights of Dalits in Indian society.
The Dalit Panther movement gained popularity among Dalit communities in Maharashtra and other parts of India in the 1970s. The organization organized protests, rallies, and other forms of activism to raise awareness about caste-based discrimination and to demand greater political and social rights for Dalits.
However, the movement also faced opposition and repression from the government and other powerful groups in Indian society. In the 1980s, the Dalit Panther movement declined in popularity and influence, but its legacy continues to inspire activists and organizations fighting against caste-based discrimination and oppression in India today.