Caste, deeply ingrained in India’s social fabric for centuries, has undergone a complex evolution in recent times, prompting debates on its contemporary relevance. While significant strides have been made towards a more egalitarian society, one cannot ignore that caste continues to exert influence in various spheres. In urban areas, economic factors often override caste considerations, fostering a more cosmopolitan ethos. However, in rural settings, caste dynamics can still shape social interactions, impacting access to resources and opportunities. Illustratively, affirmative action policies such as reservations in education and employment aim to uplift historically marginalized communities, acknowledging the persistent disparities. Additionally, inter-caste marriages challenge traditional norms, yet instances of social ostracism and discrimination persist. The discourse on caste’s relevance in modern India remains nuanced, reflecting a delicate interplay between tradition and progress, with the need for continued efforts towards social equity and inclusivity.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 1 Mains 2020
Salient features of Indian Society
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Structure of the Question
- In Introduction,
- Try to give a definition of the caste system and try to link it with the demand of the question.
- In Body,
- Give the elaborate structure of the caste system in contemporary India.
- Write about certain challenges presented by the caste system.
- Mention the steps taken to abolish the evils of the caste system.
- In Conclusion, provides an insight into the present context, to uphold diversity.
Answer
Introduction
Caste refers to any genetic classification of Hindu society and is distinguished by the degree of the relative purity of ritual or adultery and social status. It is a part of multicultural Indian society which is characterized by hereditary transmission of a style of life that includes an occupation, ritual status in a hierarchy, and customary social interaction and exclusion based on cultural notions of purity and pollution. To date, the caste system dominates the pluralistic foundation of Indian society and throws up many challenges.
Lost relevance
1. Restaurants, shopping malls, regional celebrations, local festivals, public institutions, and private establishments, do not entertain the caste factor.
2. People today subscribe to class identities based on income and profession, people in urban areas are included or excluded based on their economic status and professional achievements
3. Under the impact of globalization and technological advancement, the strict codes of marriage and inheritance have diluted with more inter-caste marriages taking place
4. Also people today want to be identified as liberal broad-minded and cosmopolitan free from the influence of cast, this Indian multicultural society finds caste disrespectful, antithetical to social cohesion, and violative of the Constitution
5. Affirmative action or positive discrimination has changed the premises of institutional caste discrimination and determination.
Persistence of caste
1. However, when it comes to personal aspirations and social capital within the society we see the indispensable role of caste in making decisions even in a multiculturally diverse society, these forces are particularly active in the rural setting
2. Inter-caste marriages are not that common, even matrimony sites cater to caste preference
3. What is more, politics acknowledges both multiculturalism and caste but often follows and exploits identities
4. Even though untouchability and caste-based discrimination are barred under the Constitution of India, occupations like manual scavenging have the majority of workers from lower castes.
Action taken to annihilate evils of caste systems
- The Indian Government has enacted laws to remove untouchability and has also brought in many reforms to improve the quality of life for the weaker sections of society. A few among them are:
- Constitutionally guaranteed Fundamental Human Rights.
- Abolition of ‘untouchability’ in 1950 under Article 17 of the Indian Constitution.
- Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
- Provision of reservations in places like educational institutions, employment opportunities, etc.
- Establishing social welfare departments and national commissions for the welfare of scheduled castes and tribes.
Conclusion
Caste as a dominant force may not be easily visible today in our multicultural society, however, it still thrives in subtler ways and holds clues to our society, to its social-political and economic dynamics. One of the most significant yet paradoxical changes in the caste system in the contemporary period is that it has tended to become ‘invisible’ for the upper caste, and urban middle and upper classes. For the so-called scheduled castes and tribes and the backward castes – the opposite has happened. For them, caste has become all too visible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is caste still a relevant factor in contemporary Indian society?
While the Indian Constitution officially abolished untouchability and promotes equality, caste dynamics persist in various aspects of society. Despite legal measures, caste continues to influence social interactions, marriage, and even political representation.
2. How has globalization impacted the relevance of caste in India?
Globalization has brought about economic changes and urbanization, leading to increased social mobility for some individuals. However, caste identities often persist, affecting job opportunities, educational access, and social integration. Globalization has both challenged and reinforced traditional caste structures.
3. Has education played a role in diminishing the significance of caste in India?
Education has been a powerful tool in challenging traditional caste norms. Initiatives promoting inclusive education aim to break down caste-based discrimination, but challenges remain. Unequal access to quality education can perpetuate caste-based disparities, hindering the complete eradication of caste-related issues.
4. How do inter-caste marriages contribute to the changing dynamics of caste in India?
Inter-caste marriages challenge the traditional boundaries of caste, fostering social integration. However, such unions may face resistance from conservative elements in society. The acceptance and prevalence of inter-caste marriages are indicative of changing attitudes, but societal pressures still influence these choices.
5. In what ways does politics play a role in perpetuating or challenging caste dynamics in India?
Indian politics has historically been influenced by caste considerations, with political parties often mobilizing support along caste lines. While affirmative action policies aim to uplift marginalized castes, there are debates about the effectiveness of such measures. Political dynamics continue to shape and be shaped by caste affiliations in the Indian context.
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