Casteism in India, a deeply ingrained social phenomenon, has traversed centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Indian society. Rooted in the ancient varna system, which categorized individuals into distinct social classes based on occupation and birth, casteism has evolved into a complex web of social stratification, hierarchy, and discrimination. Despite constitutional measures and socio-political movements aimed at its eradication, casteism continues to persist, permeating various aspects of life including education, employment, politics, and interpersonal relationships. Its prevalence underscores the enduring challenges faced in achieving social justice, equality, and inclusivity in the world’s largest democracy.
Concept of Casteism in India
Definition of Caste: Caste is characterized as a hereditary, endogamous group sharing a common name, traditional occupation, and culture. It exhibits relative rigidity in terms of mobility, status distinctiveness, and forms a cohesive community.
Caste as a social stratification system is a salient feature of Indian society. Traditionally, caste system is defined as a system of hierarchically arranged endogamous social groups according to purity and pollution of occupation which is hereditarily fixed in India. To a very large extent caste system has changed in its form and representation in recent times.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Data:
- In 2021, 50,900 cases of crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were registered, an increase of 1.2% over 2020 (50,291 cases).
- The rate of crime was particularly high in Madhya Pradesh (63.6 per lakh in a SC population of 113.4 lakh) and Rajasthan (61.6 per lakh in a SC population of 112.2 lakh).
Caste System: Originating as a social hierarchy based on birth and occupation, the caste system in India categorizes society into distinct groups known as castes. These castes further fragment into subcastes.
- Classical Varna Division: The classical four divisions of Hindu society, known as varnas, include Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. However, practical implementation has led to numerous subdivisions, known as Jatis, which represent contemporary castes in India.
Key Features of the Caste System:
Segmentary Social Division:
- Indian society is predominantly segmented into various castes, determined by birth rather than individual achievements.
Hierarchical Structure:
- Castes follow a distinct social and ritual hierarchy, embodying a sense of superiority or inferiority.
Feeding and Social Interaction Restrictions:
- Castes have specific restrictions on shared food consumption and social interactions.
Purity and Pollution Ideology:
- The caste system operates on the ideology of purity and pollution, regulating interactions between different castes.
Endogamy Requirements:
- Marriage within one’s own caste or sub-caste, known as endogamy, is a fundamental aspect of the caste system.
Prescribed Rules and Norms:
- A set of prescribed norms, values, and sanctions govern social behavior within each caste.
Occupational Constraints:
- Traditionally, each caste is associated with a specific occupation. For instance, Brahmins focus on acquiring and teaching sacred knowledge, while lower castes historically engaged in occupations like manual labor.
Factors Shaping the Evolution of the Caste System in India
- Sanskritisation: It enables lower castes to embrace the customs and culture of higher castes, facilitating acceptance and respect, thereby reducing discrimination and social stigma.
- Westernization: The influence of Western-style education underscores merit and personal achievement, disrupting conventional caste-based roles and hierarchies.
- Modernization: The process of modernisation, encompassing scientific, technological, and educational progress, as well as the rise of nationalism, introduces job opportunities and dismantles occupational rigidity within the caste system.
- Industrialization and Urbanisation: Industrialisation and urbanisation create fresh avenues for livelihood, promoting occupational mobility and diminishing societal taboos related to food sharing.
- Political and Economic Reforms: Political and economic reforms initiated post-Independence, incorporating measures like reservations, strive to rectify historical discrimination by promoting equal opportunities for individuals from lower castes.
Constitutional provisions
Article 14- Equality before law
Article 15- Prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Article 16(2)- No citizen shall on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence or any of them, be ineligible for any employment or office under the State.
Article 17- Abolish the practice of untouchability and made it a criminal offense.
Article 23- Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour.
Article 46- Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections.
Article 51A- It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India.
Article 330- Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People
Article 332- Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies of the States.
Article 338- National Commission for the Scheduled Castes.
Article 338 A – National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes.
Article 338 B- National Commission for Backward Classes.
Article 341- The President specifies the castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within castes, races, or tribes be deemed Scheduled Castes in relation to that State.
Legal provisions
- The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: To prescribe punishment for preaching and practice of untouchability for the enforcement of any disability arising therefrom and for matters connected therewith.
- The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: To prevent the offenses of atrocities against the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
- The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation act, 2013: To provide for the prohibition of employment as manual scavengers, rehabilitation of manual scavengers and their families, and for matters connected therewith.
FAQs
Q: What is casteism?
Casteism refers to a social system in India where individuals are segregated into hierarchical groups based on their birth, with each group historically associated with specific occupations and social status. It involves discrimination, prejudice, and unequal treatment based on one’s caste.
Q: How did the caste system originate in India?
The origins of the caste system in India are complex and intertwined with ancient Hindu scriptures. It likely emerged from the Vedic varna system, which categorized society into four main groups: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers). Over time, this system became rigid and hierarchical, with numerous sub-castes (jatis) based on occupation and social status.
Q: What are the consequences of casteism in India?
Casteism has profound social, economic, and political consequences. It perpetuates inequality and discrimination, limiting opportunities for those belonging to lower castes and reinforcing privilege for upper castes. It hampers social mobility, perpetuates poverty among marginalized communities, and undermines the principles of equality and justice.
Q: Is casteism still prevalent in modern India?
Despite legal and social reforms, casteism continues to persist in various forms across India. It manifests in discrimination in education, employment, marriage, and access to resources and opportunities. While there have been efforts to address caste-based discrimination through affirmative action policies (such as reservations in education and government jobs for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes), deep-rooted social attitudes and practices sustain caste divisions.
Q: How can casteism be overcome in India?
Overcoming casteism requires a multi-faceted approach involving legal, educational, economic, and social reforms. This includes implementing and enforcing anti-discrimination laws, promoting social awareness and education on caste issues, empowering marginalized communities through affirmative action and economic opportunities, and fostering inter-caste dialogue and cooperation to challenge caste-based prejudices and stereotypes. Ultimately, achieving equality and social justice demands a collective effort from all sections of society.
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