Hinduism and Untouchability by Swami Sundarananda, published by Udbodhan Office, Calcutta in 1950, is a critical exploration of the relationship between Hindu religious doctrines and the social practice of untouchability. Written in the context of a newly independent India grappling with social reform, the book examines whether Hinduism inherently sanctions untouchability or if the practice is a distortion of its core spiritual values. Swami Sundarananda, a disciple of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda tradition, approaches the subject with both reverence for Hinduism and a reformist zeal, seeking to reconcile the faith’s spiritual ideals with the urgent need for social justice.

Hinduism and Untouchability occupies a significant place in the intellectual and spiritual debates of mid-20th century India. Published shortly after independence, the book contributed to the broader discourse on social reform that was central to the nation-building project. It offered a nuanced, insider critique of Hinduism, challenging both orthodox defenders of the caste system and external critics who dismissed the faith as inherently oppressive.The book is notable for its balanced approach: it neither rejects Hinduism wholesale nor glosses over its historical complicity in social injustice. Instead, Swami Sundarananda seeks to reclaim the spiritual core of Hinduism as a force for social healing and transformation.

1. Scriptural Analysis of Untouchability Swami Sundarananda delves into Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Smritis, to investigate whether they explicitly endorse untouchability. He argues that the essence of Hinduism, as reflected in its highest teachings, upholds the unity and divinity of all beings, and that untouchability is a later social corruption rather than a religious mandate.2. The Spirit of Hinduism The book emphasizes the fundamentally non-violent and compassionate ethos of Hinduism. Swami Sundarananda asserts that true Hinduism teaches gentleness and harmlessness towards all creatures, and thus cannot logically or ethically support the inhuman treatment of a section of society.3. Historical Evolution of Caste and Untouchability The author traces the historical development of the caste system, distinguishing between the original varna system—which was based on qualities and actions (guna and karma)—and the rigid, birth-based caste hierarchy that later emerged. He highlights how untouchability became institutionalized over centuries, often justified by misinterpretations or manipulations of religious texts.4. Social Consequences and Injustice Swami Sundarananda provides a vivid account of the suffering endured by untouchables: social exclusion, economic deprivation, and psychological trauma. He critiques the hypocrisy of a society that practices elaborate rituals of purity while subjecting fellow humans to indignity and oppression.5. The Need for Reform A central argument of the book is that Hindu society must eradicate untouchability if it is to remain true to its spiritual roots. Swami Sundarananda calls for a return to the universalistic and inclusive ideals of Hinduism, urging religious and social leaders to lead the movement for reform from within.

The cultural significance of the book lies in its attempt to reconcile tradition with modernity. By grounding his critique in scriptural exegesis and the teachings of saints like Ramakrishna and Vivekananda, Swami Sundarananda appeals to the conscience of Hindu society. He frames the abolition of untouchability not as a rejection of Hindu identity, but as its fulfillment. This approach made the book accessible and persuasive to a wide audience, including religious leaders, reformers, and laypeople.The book also reflects the broader reformist currents within Hinduism, exemplified by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who similarly argued that untouchability was a betrayal of Hindu values. By articulating a vision of Hinduism that is inclusive and compassionate, Swami Sundarananda helped lay the ideological groundwork for later Dalit movements and social justice campaigns.

While Hinduism and Untouchability may not have achieved the mass influence of Gandhi’s writings or Ambedkar’s political activism, it played an important role in shaping elite and intellectual opinion. The book contributed to the moral and philosophical arguments that underpinned legislative and constitutional reforms, such as the abolition of untouchability in the Indian Constitution (Article 17) and the passage of the Untouchability (Offences) Act of 1955.By challenging the religious legitimacy of untouchability, Swami Sundarananda’s work provided support to reformers within the Hindu fold and encouraged introspection among the upper castes. It also inspired a generation of social workers and spiritual leaders to engage in the upliftment of Dalits, often through education, service, and advocacy.However, as later scholarship and activism have shown, the persistence of untouchability in Indian society demonstrates the limitations of purely moral or religious appeals. Structural inequalities and deep-seated prejudices have required sustained legal, political, and social action. Nevertheless, books like Hinduism and Untouchability remain important for their role in challenging the ideological foundations of discrimination.

Hinduism and Untouchability by Swami Sundarananda is a landmark work in the ongoing struggle to reconcile India’s spiritual heritage with the demands of social justice. Through a careful analysis of scripture, history, and contemporary reality, the book exposes the contradiction between the ideals of Hinduism and the practice of untouchability. Swami Sundarananda’s call for reform from within the tradition remains relevant today, as India continues to grapple with the legacy of caste and the challenge of building a truly inclusive society.The book’s enduring value lies in its insistence that religion must serve as a force for compassion and equality, not division and oppression. By reclaiming the universalistic spirit of Hinduism, Swami Sundarananda offers a vision of faith that is both rooted in tradition and open to change—a vision that continues to inspire those committed to the eradication of untouchability and the realization of social justice in India.