Gender, Religion and Caste | Class 10 Social Science Notes

Caste and politics

Caste is a unique form of social division in India characterized by hereditary occupational groups sanctioned by rituals. Members of the same caste form a social community practicing similar occupations, marrying within the caste, and not eating with members of other castes. The caste system historically involved exclusion and discrimination against 'outcaste' groups subjected to untouchability.

Social reformers and political leaders like Jotiba Phule, Gandhiji, B.R. Ambedkar, and Periyar Ramaswami Naicker fought against caste inequalities. Modern India has seen significant changes due to economic development, urbanization, literacy, occupational mobility, and weakening of landlord power. The caste hierarchy is breaking down, especially in urban areas where caste identity matters less in daily interactions. The Constitution prohibits caste-based discrimination and promotes equality.

However, caste has not disappeared. Most people still marry within their caste, untouchability persists, and historical advantages and disadvantages continue to affect access to education and economic status. Upper castes are overrepresented among the urban middle class, while Dalits and Adivasis lag behind. Caste remains closely linked to economic inequality.

In politics, casteism is the belief that caste is the sole basis of social community and interests. This is flawed as people have multiple identities and interests. Caste influences politics in candidate selection, appeals to caste sentiments, and formation of caste-based political parties. Universal adult franchise has increased political awareness among lower castes, but no single caste dominates elections. Voters often prioritize party loyalty, economic status, and government performance over caste alone.

Politics also influences caste identities by encouraging coalitions, inclusion of sub-castes, and emergence of new caste groups like backward and forward castes. Caste politics has helped disadvantaged groups gain access to power and resources but can also cause tensions and divert attention from broader issues like poverty and development.

📊 Diagram: Population of different religious communities in India, 2011 (figure_12); Now you don't like it! Didn't you tell me that wherever there is domination, we should discuss it in Political Science? Will caste disappear if we keep mum about it? (figure_13); Figure on page 12 (figure_14)

🔗 Connection: This section connects to the next section on Caste inequality today by detailing how caste continues to affect economic status and social conditions.