What is Caste System in India?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Constitutional Abolition of Untouchability: Article 17 explicitly abolishes 'Untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form, making its enforcement an offense punishable by law.
- 2.
Equality and Non-discrimination: Article 14 (Equality before law), Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth), and Article 16 (Equality of opportunity in public employment) aim to ensure social equality.
- 3.
Affirmative Action (Reservations): Articles 15(4), 15(5), 16(4), 16(4A), 16(4B) provide for reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and public employment to promote their advancement.
- 4.
National Commissions: Establishment of the National Commission for SCs (Article 338), National Commission for STs (Article 338A), and National Commission for Backward Classes (Article 338B) to safeguard and monitor the interests of these communities.
- 5.
Legal Safeguards: The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, provide legal recourse against caste-based discrimination and violence.
- 6.
Political Representation: Articles 330 and 332 provide for reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, respectively.
- 7.
Despite legal prohibitions, caste-based discrimination, violence, and social stratification persist, particularly in rural areas.
- 8.
Caste continues to influence social mobility, economic opportunities, political mobilization, and marriage patterns in contemporary India.
- 9.
The concept of 'creamy layer' within OBC reservations aims to exclude the economically advanced sections from reservation benefits.
- 10.
Debates around caste census and sub-categorization within SCs and OBCs for more equitable distribution of benefits are ongoing.
Visual Insights
Understanding the Caste System in India
This mind map illustrates the key aspects of the caste system, its historical roots, and its impact on Indian society.
Caste System in India
- ●Historical Origins
- ●Constitutional Provisions
- ●Social Impact
- ●Recent Developments
Evolution of Caste-Based Legislation and Social Reform
This timeline highlights key events and legislation related to the caste system in India.
The caste system has been a deeply entrenched social hierarchy in India for centuries. Various legislative measures and social reform movements have aimed to address caste-based discrimination and promote equality.
- 1931Gandhi-Ambedkar Pact (Poona Pact)
- 1950Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability (Article 17)
- 1955Protection of Civil Rights Act
- 1989Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
- 1990Implementation of Mandal Commission recommendations
- 2006M. Nagaraj vs. Union of India (on reservations in promotions)
- 2018Supreme Court dilutes provisions of SC/ST Act (later amended)
- 2019103rd Constitutional Amendment Act (EWS reservation)
- 2026Maharashtra village aims to eradicate caste discrimination
Recent Developments
5 developmentsOngoing debates on the efficacy and extent of reservation policies, including the introduction of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation.
Increasing demands for a nationwide caste census to ascertain the exact population of various caste groups.
Continued instances of caste-based discrimination and violence, particularly against Dalits, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws.
Political assertion and mobilization by various caste groups seeking greater representation and benefits.
Judicial interventions and interpretations regarding the scope and limits of reservation policies.