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Synopsis This widely read book remains the only history of the Dalit Christians as a whole since it first appeared in 1992. Now, in this third edition, it has been thoroughly revised to incorporate recent research. In addition, it has also been expanded to cover important events and developments since 1990, including the important case affecting all Dalit Christians now before the Supreme Court.

This edition continues to set the history of the Dalit Christians within the context of the modern Dalit movement, to compare Christian and other Dalits on a variety of social indicators, and to maintain a balance between North and South India. Moreover, thanks to recent research on the subject, it now incorporates more information on Roman Catholic Dalits than earlier editions had been able to do.

Estimates vary on the proportion of Dalits who are Christians, but few would disagree that the majority of Christians in India are Dalits. This first attempt to write their history has set it within the context of the history of the modern Dalit movement. This third edition brings that history up to date by including developments which have occurred over the past two decades.

After a brief discussion of the origins of caste and untouchability, Webster traces this history from the late 19th century up to the present. He sees the Dalit movement and Dalit Christian history passing through three stages.