harijan
/ˈhærɪdʒæn/
noun
- A term used historically in India for members of the lowest social class (formerly called 'untouchables'), now considered outdated and often offensive; the preferred term is 'Dalit'.
- In modern India, the term 'Dalit' is generally used instead of 'Harijan'.
- Many activists today reject the term 'Harijan' because it is seen as patronizing.
- The word 'Harijan' was popularized by Mahatma Gandhi to refer to people formerly called untouchables.
Synonyms