The caste system in ancient social hierarchy, rooted in Hindu tradition, has shaped the landscape of Indian society for centuries. Although the Indian constitution abolished caste-based discrimination in 1950, the reality in many parts of India suggests that caste still plays a powerful, albeit evolving, role in everyday life. From social interactions and marriage to politics and access to resources, caste continues to influence both urban and rural India. The caste system was originally a classification based on occupation divided into four main varnas: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. These were the Dalits, formerly known as untouchables, who were ostracized and subjected to severe discrimination.
Though intended as a flexible occupational division, over time, the system hardened into Arijit, a social hierarchy, restricting mobility and promoting inequality. The Constitution of India, under the leadership of B. R. Ambedkar, outlawed caste-based discrimination and introduced affirmative action policies to apply to historically disadvantaged communities. Despite constitutional safeguards, caste continues to influence social behavior, especially in rural areas. Marriage within the same caste is still the norm, with families rejecting intercaste relationships and honor killings. Do illegal marriages still occur in certain parts of the country when individuals defy caste boundaries?
In urban areas, caste may be less visible on the surface, but it subtly influences housing, networking, and social circles. Many residential colonies, temples, and community groups remain caste-specific even within professions and educational institutions. Subtle caste-based prejudice can persist caste plays a significant role in Indian politics. Political parties can mobilize support based on caste identities and votes. Bank politics revolve around caste groupings such as Yadav, and leftist parties and Brahmin caste-based parties have emerged in states and electoral strategies, frequently evolving caste alliances. Reservation policies, which provide quotas for scheduled castes, schedules, and other backward classes in education, jobs, and political representation, are the subject of ongoing debates. While these policies have helped uplift many, they have also sparked recent resentment among upper castes and demands for quotas.
There has been progress in breaking caste barriers, increased access to education, urbanization, and social reform movements having empowered many marginalized communities. Influential leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, and artists from the legendary OBC backgrounds are reshaping narratives around caste; however, caste-based violence, discrimination, and untouchability practices still exist. Crimes against Lalit have been reported by the national crime record. Bureau remains a serious concern. Caste-based exclusion in employment and education persists in both overt and subtle forms. While India has made significant strides in introducing caste-based discrimination.
The caste system has not been completely dismantled. It has merely adopted the modern settings. True caste equality requires not just legal reform but also deep societal change. Education, awareness, and collective efforts are essential to build a more inclusive and equitable India.
