How are the Other Backward Castes different from the Dalits (or Scheduled Castes)?
The Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Dalits (Scheduled Castes) differ primarily in the nature and extent of discrimination they faced. Untouchability was the most visible and comprehensive form of discrimination suffered by Dalits, while OBCs were subjected to varying levels of discrimination short of untouchability.
The OBCs comprised service and artisanal castes who occupied the lower rungs of the caste hierarchy but were not treated as untouchables. Additionally, the OBCs are described as a much more diverse group than the Dalits. The Constitution identifies OBCs as 'socially and educationally backward classes', whereas Dalits are recognised separately as Scheduled Castes due to the specific burden of untouchability they endured.
Explanation
The textbook clearly distinguishes OBCs from Dalits on two main grounds: (1) OBCs faced discrimination but not untouchability, which was the defining feature of Dalit oppression; (2) OBCs are more diverse as a group compared to Dalits. The context mentions that OBCs were service and artisanal castes at the lower rungs of hierarchy, while Dalits faced the most comprehensive form of social discrimination through untouchability.