Author:

Antara Halder
Ph.D. Scholar
Department of Education
University of Gour Banga
Malda,West Bengal,India
Email: halderantara07@gmail.com

Dr.Ujjwal Kumar Halder
Professor
Department of Education
University of Gour Banga,
Malda,West Bengal,India
Email: uk.halder@gmail.com

Abstract::Caste and social hierarchy divides have existed in Indian culture since antiquity. Within the four-tiered structure of the caste system set by the dominant upper caste of Indian society, comprising Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, the Shudra community occupies the lowest stratum. Similarly, in undivided Bengal, the Dalit community is classified at the bottom strata inside the caste hierarchy set up by the upper-caste society. Those people classified as “Antyaja” or “Untouchable” due to their caste; they are even referred to as ‘Chandala.’ As a consequence of this societal division, the Dalit community is perpetually subjected to exploitation, oppression, and persecution as a marginalized population. Amidst such circumstances, as a social reformer, Sri Sri Guruchand Thakur led a revolutionary and laborious attempt through the Matua movement to bring the untouchables inside the fold of education, which is the major purpose of the current research. On top of that, this research study endeavors to illuminate the life of Sri Sri Guruchand Thakur and the societal reflection of caste-based discrimination throughout the 18th to mid-19th century. This study primarily employs a literature review methodology and utilizes multiple primary and secondary sources for data collection. Research findings provide clear evidence that Sri Sri Guruchand Thakur played an integral and highly significant role in the historical development and progress of the Dalit community.

Key Words::Caste Discrimination, Dalit Community,Chandala, Matua,Untouchables etc.