This collection of 11 articles, published over the years in the Sociological Bulletin, attempts to present a sociological analysis of dalits in India. Situating dalits in Indian sociology, it examines social status of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes as depicted in the works of G. S. Ghurye.

Further focusing on the issues of caste, untouchability and exclusion, the contributors seek to study the interaction between scheduled castes and Brahmins, role of scheduled castes in urbanization, dalit struggles, and psychological conflict between Harijans and upper/middle class caste Hindus. A discussion on reservations and the Sanskritization of scheduled castes also finds place in the book.