Introduction
The problem of evil has been a long-standing philosophical and theological issue, questioning how suffering and injustice can exist in a world governed by a just and loving deity. From a Dalit perspective, this problem takes on a unique and urgent dimension, deeply rooted in lived experiences of caste-based oppression and social injustice.
Understanding Evil in the Dalit Context
Dalits have historically faced systemic discrimination, untouchability, and violence. For them, evil is not abstract but real, visible in the forms of humiliation, poverty, exclusion, and brutality inflicted by caste hierarchy.
Critique of Traditional Theology
Dalit thinkers reject traditional Hindu explanations of karma and rebirth, which suggest that suffering is a result of past actions. This view, they argue, justifies oppression rather than challenging it. It denies agency and responsibility to the current social order.
Ambedkar’s View
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar saw caste as a form of social evil. He argued that Hindu religious texts legitimized caste and therefore failed to address the real problem of social suffering. His conversion to Buddhism was a move toward a philosophy that embraces equality and rejects divine justification for suffering.
Reclaiming Human Dignity
Dalit thinkers focus on resisting evil through education, social reform, and community mobilization. They emphasize the importance of justice, dignity, and empowerment in overcoming systemic evil.
Conclusion
The problem of evil from a Dalit perspective is not just a metaphysical question but a call to action. It demands the dismantling of oppressive systems and the creation of a society where dignity and equality are real for all. This perspective redefines philosophy as a tool for liberation and justice.