About the Book: When untouchables reject Hindu caste systems, they form their own faith, as seen in Punjab’s Ad Dharm movement founded in the 1920s by Mangoo Ram. Mark Juergensmeyer’s pioneering work traces the movement’s history through extensive research, interviews, and its connections with Dalit organizations like Arya Samaj, Ambedkar’s movement, and Marxism. The Ad Dharm movement remains influential in Dalit cultural and political life nearly a century later, with ongoing tensions between Dalits and upper-caste communities. Incidents such as protests in Talhan and violence in Vienna highlight its continuing relevance. This book offers critical insight into the political and social struggles of Dalits regionally and globally.