Who used the term ‘untouchable’ for the Scheduled castes for the first time?

Q. Who used the term ‘untouchable’ for the Scheduled castes for the first time?

(a) J S Nesfield

 (b) Alfred Lyall

(c) W C Crooke

(d) H H Risley

Ans: (d) H H Risley

 Explanation:  The term ‘untouchable’ for the Scheduled castes was first used by (d) H H Risley. Herbert Hope Risley, a British ethnographer and colonial administrator, is known for his work on racial classification in India. In his book “The People of India” published in 1908, Risley used the term ‘untouchable’ to describe the lower castes considered outside the traditional varna system and subjected to social discrimination and exclusion. The term ‘untouchable’ became widely adopted and continues to be used in discussions related to caste and social inequality in India. It is important to note that the term itself reflects the social prejudices and discrimination faced by marginalized communities and has been the subject of criticism and efforts for social reform.