Answer:
To understand “Untouchability” you need understand our varna-vyavastha or simply called “Caste System”. Caste does not mean or is not the right translation for Varna/Jaathi/etc….. We(Hindus) had our varna-vyavastha (vv) based on the persons capabilities/skill/knowledge/understanding nature/patience & many more…..
As a group head (village/society/land), people needed to be divided to different functions of life…..
To survive, we need food. So gatherers/foragers were formed. Slowly this group increased to others ways/modes of food gathering, such as farmers, shepherds, etc…
In the meantime, while few were producing/collecting food items, people were needed to manage the production & distribution.
Very good, so far. But, people can’t eat the same stuff, every day & do the same job, as well. Getting bored. So, intelligence/creativity was needed. People with innovative minds gathered together & formed certain recipes/methods/etc…. Slowly this became tradition/culture/etc.
Now comes the problem. Intelligent/Innovative people are good at this. “How to control them?” is the question. So people with creativity/innovation/intelligence/etc & physical skill/strength were required. They had knowledge of the previous 3-types of works of life. Additional qualification was their physical strength & skills. These were few who had the ability to hunt, as well. Be it day or night.
In every walk of life, there are people who make mistakes or commit a crime. These people need to be punished. But, if we keep them within the village/land premises, they might not realize their mistakes or repent for their crimes. So a separate location is required. Problem is, if we keep them enclosed outside of society like in a jail, they will behave/become more like animals/savages. It is human nature. So, a new society needs to be formed, where these people can make their living, but still face punishment.
These type of people are basically worker class. Hence, these were called Sudras/Soodras.
These type of people are merchants. Hence, these were called Vysyas.
These type of people are administrators. Hence, these were Brahmins.
These type of people are rulers/kings. Hence, these were Kshatriya. Kshatriya means one who has warrior/soldier/fighter qualities/capabilities/etc.
These type of people are outcasts. Hence, the “Untouchables”
