Final answer:
An 'untouchable' in Friedman's lexicon is a person from the lowest class in the Hindu caste system, also known as a Dalit, facing historical discrimination and exclusion from mainstream social roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Friedman's lexicon, an "untouchable" refers to a member of the lowest social class in the traditional Hindu caste system, also known by the term Dalit. These individuals were historically marginalized and subjected to extreme discrimination and were considered 'outcasts' in Indian society. The caste system includes several classes born into their societal roles and duties with a hierarchical nature from the Brahmin (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishya (merchants), and Sudra (laborers), with the untouchables being outside of this system.
Mahatma Gandhi referred to untouchables as "children of God", which was a term he used to reduce the stigma and promote equality. The caste system played a fundamental role in the first major religion in India, Hinduism, which, along with Buddhism, adheres to the concept of karma, or the effects of a person's actions on their destiny in the next life. Hinduism is characterized by a belief in multiple gods, whereas it is contrasted with the monotheistic religion of Islam, where followers believe in one god and consider Muhammad as his prophet.