As in ancient times, Mahatma Budh was the first reformer who set an example by introducing a Chandala named Sunit into his religion. Mahavir Swami initiated a Chandala named Harikesh Bal in Jainism and set a unique example for the untouchables. The varna System is based on the concept of ritual purity which cannot be identified with hygienic cleanliness. In fact, many ritually pure places and objects would be considered hygienically unhealthy. This brings to the fore the question of the fifth group which is kept outside the system viz., the ‘outcastes’ or the ‘untouchables’ while it is fairly certain that the origin of this group has an economic base i.e., division of labor and a definite function in society, the concept of impurity is linked more to the ritually dominant group i.e., the Brahmins than the economically and politically dominant group. In other words, the ‘untouchables’ are not outside the caste system but are essential to preserve the ritual ‘Purity’ of the Brahminic groups, to perform ‘polluting’ functions for the other groups and to continue the interdependent economic system.

Keywords: Ancient Times, Untouchables, Varna System, Hygienically Unhealthy, Hygienic Cleanliness.