What is the relationship between Hinduism and Dalits?
The Hindu caste system explicitly excludes Dalits. They are often prevented from entering temples or participating in Hindu religious observance and exclusion remains the rule in rural India. Historically, Dalits have been forbidden to learn Sanskrit or study the Hindu scriptures, sometimes on pain of death. There is a debate among Dalits themselves as to whether they are Hindus. The answer is unclear, partly because there is a wide range of Hindu belief and practice.
