Why did Rathnam refuse to wash the feet of the priests and bathe in that water?

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Because he wanted to disrespect the priests.

Because he was very arrogant.

Because this was a casteist practice and it was an insult to him.

None of the above.

answer is C.

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Detailed Solution

Rathnam refused to wash the feet of the priests and bathe in that water because this was a casteist practice and an insult to him.
In Rathnam's village of Jakmalgur, a huge festival is celebrated every five years. Of the many rituals, one was the washing of priests' feet by a person and then taking a bath in that water. For years, Rathnam's forbears have been doing so. When it was Rathnam's turn, he got distraught. He was an educated and progressive person. He didn't believe in the practice. According to him, they were forced to do so because they were Dalits. This was a casteist practice, violating his dignity as an individual. His refusal angered the people of his village. As a result, his family was ostracised by the powerful castes.

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