Indian Dalits, former-ly known as untouchables, are challenging the supre-macist ideology of hard-line Hindu groups. But rights activists are blaming Hindu fundamenta-lism for a recent attack on Dalits celebrating victory in a 19th century battle against their upper-caste overlords. A series of violent clashes between Dalits and higher-caste Maratha people were reported in several parts of western Maharashtra state in early January.
This follow a Jan. 1 attack on Dalit people marking the centenary of an 1818 battle between local rulers and forces of the British East India company. The battle in Bhima Koregaon village resulted in the British curtailing the dominance of local Maratha ruler Peshwa Bajirao II.
The rout has been celebrated by Dalits ever since.
However, this centenary year it turned violent, with one person killed and hundreds injured.
Media reports suggested that right-wing groups carrying saffron flags pelted Dalits with stones, prompting them to retaliate.
