Caste System in Changing India

Abstract

Every country has certain social and historical roots that lead to one group being discriminated against by another. This division differs from place to place and may be caste, race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, and it is often deeply integrated with the mainstream societal institutions and attitudes. In ancient India, the caste system developed through the Varna system, where those who were born into higher castes were Brahmins or Kshatriyas, and those born into lower castes, especially Dalit’s or untouchables, faced different kinds of discrimination, exclusion, and limited access to resources and opportunities. Historically, India is a diverse country where different castes, religions, cultures, and languages exist. The caste system refers to a social practice that defined rules, restrictions and activities for each group based on their practices of occupation and social status. In Indian society, caste is determined by birth. That means an individual is born into the caste of their parents and remains in that class their whole life. The main objective of this paper is to analyse efficient understanding about the historical background of the caste system in India and changes taken in this framework. Although the Indian constitution provides constitutional and legal reform for caste-based discrimination and provides reservations in education and jobs, birth still determines caste identity. Caste continues to influence social practices, politics and access to resources and education, especially in rural areas.