Ravidas, the
untouchable poet-saint, was given this name by his disciples.
The Ravidasis highlight several principles found in Ravidas'
poetry, such as the folly of attempting to confine the divine in scriptures and
ceremonies, and his vision of a society in which all individuals may have equal
status, regardless of their background.
Although Ravidas is held up as a model for religious
equality based on the teachings in his poetry, it is doubtful that the
Ravidasis were founded by Ravidas himself, nor is Ravidas an object of worship
for them.
In current times, the Ravidasis have concentrated on
combating all forms of caste-based prejudice, as well as empowering different
low caste communities.
This movement is very new, and little has been written about
it to far; for further information, read John Stratton Hawley and Mark
Juergensmeyer (trans. ), Songs of the Saints of India, 1988, especially the
introduction to Ravidas.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
