Centre for Annihilation of Caste

About: The report analyzes the practice of caste-based segregation of dead bodies in cremation grounds.

Publisher: Caste Review, Centre for Annihilation of Caste

Author: Gaurav Singhal

First Published: 28 January 2024

Updated Edition: June 2026

Publication Code: CR-RR-2024-02

Suggested Citation: Centre for Annihilation of Caste, Casteism in Cremation: Segregation of Dead Bodies in Cremation Grounds, CR-RR-2024-02 (Caste Review 2024; updated June 2026).

Abstract: They say death is the greatest equalizer, but for Dalits, this is not true. In their story, death delivers one last parting gift of casteism. When they die, it is decreed that their dead bodies must be segregated to avoid polluting the upper-caste dead. Untouchability touches them, even in death. If you witness the final journey of a Dalit, you will see that his caste follows with him even to the cremation ground. This final journey, from his house to the cremation ground, is paved with watchful eyes. The word is that his Dalit body must not pass through the streets of the so-called upper castes. As always, the Dalits comply, ensuring that the procession avoids these sacred streets. The situation becomes more complicated when a Dalit must share his final journey with that of an upper-caste dead in a common cremation ground, especially when the funeral pyre of the upper-caste dead is already lit. In such cases, the issue is not merely segregation but outright denial of access to the cremation ground.

Stakeholders Targeted: National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC); Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E); Scheduled Castes (SC) Morcha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Scheduled Castes (SC) Department, Indian National Congress (INC); Scheduled Castes (SC) Departments of Major National and State Political Parties; and Elected Members of the Parliament of India and State Legislative Assemblies from Constituencies Reserved for Scheduled Castes.