Logo

Were Dalits prohibited from drinking water from wells in ancient times? Is there any evidence to support this claim?

11.06.2025 22:12

Were Dalits prohibited from drinking water from wells in ancient times? Is there any evidence to support this claim?

They (Dalits) can ask any of us to fetch the water for them and we will oblige. But they cannot do it on their own. This practice has been there for ages and it cannot be changed,”

The text itself is variously dated from 2nd century CE to 4th century CE, but the legends are believed to be older.

The medieval Chōla era the indigenous early settlers were relegated to the status of Avarnas and they were given space to live outside villages and towns. They had separate ponds, cremation grounds, so as to not ritually pollute others.

Why is squid ink safe to eat, while skunk spray is not? What makes the two liquids different from each other?

North or South, East or west - you can find Dalits facing the same issues when it comes to fetching water from common wells and ponds.

Even today a lot of villages only have common wells and ponds. Not every rural house has a well.

One such dispute is recorded in a granite pillar in the Parasuraman Peruntheru, Idalakudi, Nagercoil, dated to 661 M.E (Malayalam Era), that is 1486 AD

Why are there no fossils for the 'missing link' that connects our ancestors with other species? Is this a misconception or is there another explanation?

There were Paraicheri for Paraiyars, Kammalancheri for Kammalas, Ilai Cheri for toddy tappers so on. Some inscriptions mention Theendacheri (untouchable hanlet) - the term Cheri is still in use and is usually a reference to slums.

Avarnas were people who were perceived to be doing ritually unclean jobs - not necessarily actual unclean jobs. For example, Toddy tappers were considered impure. Because, toddy tapping was considered impure.

"they are prohibited from drawing water from the wells of other castes; but have particular wells of their own near their inhabitations, round which they place the bones of animals, that they may be known and avoided.

Can you name an example of bad parenting?

Pre modern times :

A note on the Paraiyans, Sonnerat, writing in the eighteenth century, says that,

They were freed from persecution at the hands of Brahmins, Pillaimars and others who were in the habit of obstructing their passage to take water from tanks and wells, by putting up fences of thorns etc, assaulting and exacting unreasonable dues from them and interfering with and interrupting them in their public religious performances. Their residence was also prescribed within certain limits.

8 best walking exercises that will help us lose 3-4 kgs within a month - Times of India

When Ambedkar became a professor of political economy in the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai, other professors objected to his sharing a drinking-water jug with them.

History stands as a testimony to the atrocities committed on the oppressed section.

Mahad Satyagraha -

While you sleep, these bugs throw a party on your face - East Idaho News

In December 1937, the Bombay High Court ruled that untouchables have the right to use water from the tank. It took ten years for the Dalits to get justice.

I am not sure whether Sayakkars were classified as Avarnas, but they were harassed for taking water from tanks and wells. The issue was taken before the government and they were given retrieve.

Shockingly, the practice of keeping away Dalits from common wells, continues to this day in some places.

Why is the First Amendment referred to as a right to free speech instead of an immunity from punishment for one's words, regardless of their truthfulness?

Hope these modern so called Shudra priests actually learn the history of discrimination in the subcontinent instead of doing apologetics.

Even if a Dalit didn’t engage in any said impure activity or job, he or she would still be denied access to common well, because by birth they are considered to be ritually impure.

Even as recently as 18th century, the custom of keeping away Dalits from the common wells was in practice.

‘Wicked: For Good’ Trailer: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Put Glinda and Elphaba to the Test in Dazzling First Footage From Sequel - Variety

The story goes like this : Parched in the hot sun, Ananda approached a girl fetching water and asks her for water.

Ananda replies, ‘I didn’t ask for your caste’ ‘I asked for some water’

And that Dalits dealt with corpses that’s why others fetched water for them.

Who are the IT boys of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation in K-pop?

Medieval inscription time to time record caste disputes.

And,

The girl replies, ‘I am a Chandali’

Have you ever met someone and something seemed so unusual about them but you couldn't put your finger on what it was?

They were allowed to appear before the sovereign during the royal processions.

When an Indian of any other caste permits a Paraiya to speak to him, this unfortunate being is obliged to hold his hand before his mouth, lest the Indian may be contaminated with his ​breath; and, if he Is met on the highway, he must turn on one side to let the other pass.

Where ever the concept of Varnashrama and ritual purity spread, this was the situation.

Are female judges more lenient than male ones?

Yes. Avarnas were generally prohibited from deinking or fetching water from common wells and ponds. They had their separate wells and ponds.

One of the caste Hindus told ‘The Hindu’:

On March 20, 1927, Ambedkar and his followers marched to the Chavdar Lake, where he drank water from it, asserting their right of equality and equal access to public resources.

Can you recommend a simple song with an awesome solo? What makes the solo stand out?

In 1927, Ambedkar launched a satyagraha to allow untouchables to use water in a public tank in Mahad (currently in Raigad district), Maharashtra, India.

The Brāhmans cannot behold them, and they are obliged to fly when they appear. Great care is taken not to eat anything dressed by a Paraiya, nor even to drink out of the vessel he has used; they dare not enter the house of an Indian of another caste; or, if they are employed in any work, a door is purposely made for them; but they must work with their eyes on the ground; for, if it is perceived they have glanced at the kitchen, all the utensils must be broken.

From ‘Castes and tribes of India’ :

From an axiology/value theory point of view, how can one say that a diverse society is better than a uniform one, especially given the negative effects of diversity (racism, sectarian conflict, problems arising from extreme cultural relativism)?

Evidence of this practice comes from early Buddhist literature. The story of Ananda and the Chandali girl Prakrit is an example. The story is found in Divyavadana - a collection of early Buddhist legends.

Inscription granted certain privileges to the professional people called Sayakars of Idalakkudi viz.,

Source : Travancore Manual, Volume I, page number 196.

Why is there so much free porn on the internet?

Every house had a well and no one stopped Dalits so on.

If any Indian whatever, even a Choutre, by accident touches a Paraiya, he is obliged to purify himself in a bath.

The well the girl was using is meant for Avarnas. The touch of an avarna is considered impure and hence she hesitates giving water to Ananda.

Weekly News Quiz - AARP

So no matter what job the Avarnas choose , their touch was/is considered impure by casteists who stick to the practice of ritual purity.

I read another answer which is nothing but apologetics for the evil system. The OP claims :

They were exempted from the payment of all dues with the exception of Padaippanam and Kappalvagai panam.

Will you share your wife? Can she take both of us at the same time?