Lower-caste Hindus wait to be converted to Buddhism

Many in the crowd said they had left home in the morning as Hindus but would return in the evening as Buddhists.

Some even received certificates saying they had embraced Buddhism voluntarily.

But others said they had come not to change their faith but just to lend support to their community, which makes up about quarter of India's one billion-strong population.

It was one of India's biggest conversions in recent years and a strong sign of protest against the caste system.

Taboo to draw water

Whether they are called Untouchables, Children of God or Dalits, lower caste Hindus say their plight has not improved in centuries.

It has been nearly 50 years since the caste system was abolished, legally at least.

But in many Indian villages it is still taboo for lower castes to use the well to draw water or enter Hindu temples temples or the homes of their high caste neighbours.

Many of those at the bottom of the caste system still feel there is no way out but to change their religion.

But in many cases even that has not removed the prejudice felt by the rest of society.