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On 20 March 1927, a large number of Dalits led by Ambedkar drank water from the Chawdar Tank and asserted their rights. The upper castes then found a rumour as an excuse to attack the Dalits, who heeded Ambedkar’s appeal for peace and discipline and did not retaliate

During the Mahad movement, Dr Ambedkar advised Dalits to give up dirty jobs or professions, stop consuming meat of dead animals and cast away the feeling of inferiority for being untouchable and develop self-respect. Sanjay Jothe examines the historical background of this advice and the psychological impact it has had on the community