CASTE SYSTEM
Defined as a system of social stratification consisting of hierarchically arranged , closed , endogamous strata , where membership is ascriptive, contact is restrictive and mobility is theoretically impossible.
MODELS OF CASTE SYSTEM :
Features of the Caste System
- Birth-based Membership
- Caste is inherited; an individual is born into a caste and cannot change it.
- Endogamy
- Marriage is traditionally restricted within the same caste.
- Occupational Specialization
- Each caste traditionally has a specific occupation or role (e.g., Brahmins – priests, Shudras – laborers).
- Hierarchy
- Castes are arranged in a rigid hierarchical order, often sanctioned by religious texts.
- Social Exclusiveness
- Members of different castes often follow separate social practices, rituals, and customs.
- Pollution and Purity Concept
- Notions of “pure” and “impure” govern interactions between castes (e.g., food sharing, social contact).
- Restricted Mobility
- Historically, caste status is rigid, limiting social mobility.
- Cultural and Religious Sanction
- Reinforced by religious beliefs, rituals, and community norms.
Transformation of the Caste System
Dominant Concept of M.N. Srinivas: Sanskritization
Definition: Sanskritization is the process by which a lower or middle caste adopts the rituals, customs, beliefs, and lifestyle of a higher caste (usually Brahmins) to improve its social status
Key Features:
- Imitation of higher castes in diet, dress, rituals, and worship.
- Social mobility is sought within the caste hierarchy without altering the caste system itself.
- Often involves abandoning traditional occupations associated with lower status.
- Purpose: To gain prestige, recognition, and acceptance in the local social hierarchy.
- Example: A backward caste adopting vegetarianism, wearing sacred threads, and performing Brahminical rituals.
- Significance: Sanskritization highlights the dynamic nature of caste, showing that social change can occur within the traditional caste system through cultural adoption rather than structural upheaval.
Role of Caste in Politics (Rajni Kothari)
Rajni Kothari (in Politics in India, 1970) explained how caste and politics intersect:
- Caste → Politics: Castes act as pressure groups, mobilizing voters and influencing leadership selection.
- Politics → Caste: Political competition reshapes caste identities, producing new alignments and coalitions.
- Caste and Politics → Mutual Reinforcement: Caste gives social base to politics, while politics provides caste with new avenues for assertion.
Entrenched & Ascendant Castes
- Entrenched Castes: Traditionally dominant castes (e.g., Brahmins, Rajputs, Landowning peasantry) that historically controlled resources and politics.
- Ascendant/Rising Castes: Backward or intermediate castes (e.g., Yadavs, Kurmis, Jats) that gained power through land reforms, education, and political mobilization (esp. post-Mandal Commission).
Why Caste Persists Even After Globalization
- Political Mobilization: Caste is a strong vote-bank identity, formation of BSP , bheem sena.
- Social Networks: Marriage, kinship, and community support are still caste-based.
- Economic Benefits: Reservation and affirmative action reinforce caste categories, formation of dalit venture fund , NCSC.
- Cultural Identity: Despite modernity, caste provides belonging and social recognition.
- Dalit sahitya , vaisya edu society.
- Ghettoization , separate utensils.
- 27% still practice untouchability.
- Caste based matrimonial sites.
By this diagram we can understand that ,
We expected that due to the Urbanization caste will cease to exist. But it converted in the class due to urbanization and globalisation.
Inequalities that were present in Rural areas are the same in Urban areas too , only the wordings have been changed . like caste to class.
Also Read :
GS 1 : NOTES