BharatNotes Caste System
/kɑːst ˈsɪstəm/A hereditary social stratification system historically rooted in Hindu social organisation, dividing society into hierarchical endogamous groups (jātis) theoretically based on the varna system (Brahmin-Kshatriya-Vaishya-Shudra) plus the avarnas (those outside the varna system, historically called untouchables); characterised by birth-based occupation, restriction on inter-caste marriage, and differential ritual status — now legally prohibited in its discriminatory aspects under Articles 15, 16, 17 and criminal law.
Context & Background
Modern sociological analysis (M.N. Srinivas, André Béteille, Dipankar Gupta) distinguishes between varna (the 4-fold textual hierarchy), jāti (actual social groups — 3,000+ endogamous communities), and caste as a colonial administrative category (Census from 1881). The persistence and politicisation of caste in post-independence India has been analysed through concepts like Sanskritisation (Srinivas — upward mobility by adopting higher-caste practices), dominant caste (landholding castes with political power), and Dalit identity politics (Ambedkar, BSP). The caste system has adapted to modernity — caste-based vote banks, reservation politics, caste violence — rather than declining.
UPSC Exam Relevance
GS1 Society — Prelims: varna vs jāti distinction; constitutional provisions (Articles 15, 16, 17, 46); PCR Act 1955; POA Act 1989; M.N. Srinivas — Sanskritisation, Dominant Caste, Westernisation (three concepts); caste and reservation — 50% ceiling, creamy layer; caste census (Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 — data partially released). Mains: Is caste weakening or mutating?; caste and democracy — B.R. Ambedkar's analysis vs Nehru's integrationist view; inter-caste marriage data (only ~5% nationally — NFHS); honour killing; caste-based occupational stigma; anti-caste movements (Phule, Ambedkar, Periyar); reservation debate.
