Q.8 Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

Model Answer:

Introduction

Caste is a traditional system of social stratification in India, characterised by hereditary transmission of lifestyle, occupation, and social status. Historically, it has been a rigid and hierarchical system. However, its relevance has evolved over time due to socio-economic changes, legal interventions, and modernization.

Body

Caste continues to hold relevance in understanding multicultural Indian society:

• Social Identity: Caste remains a primary marker of identity for many Indians. It influences social interactions and community affiliations.
• Endogamous Marriages: Despite urbanisation, a significant proportion of marriages in India are still within the same caste. According to the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) 2011-12, about 95% of marriages are endogamous.
• Occupational Divisions: Certain occupations are still dominated by specific castes. For instance, manual scavenging is predominantly carried out by Dalits.
• Political Mobilisation: Caste-based politics is prevalent. Political parties often cater to specific caste groups to secure votes. The rise of parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) exemplifies this.
• Social Networks: Caste-based networks provide support in terms of employment, business, and social security, especially in rural areas.

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However, caste has also lost some of its relevance:

• Inter-caste Marriages: There is a gradual increase in inter-caste marriages, especially in urban areas. The IHDS 2011-12 reported a rise in such marriages compared to previous decades.
• Merit-based Occupations: With the spread of education and economic opportunities, people from lower castes are increasingly entering professions traditionally dominated by upper castes.
• Constitutional Provisions: The Indian Constitution provides for equality and prohibits discrimination based on caste. Articles 15 and 17 are significant in this regard.
• Urbanisation and Globalization: These forces have diluted caste boundaries to some extent, promoting a more meritocratic society.

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Measures related to caste include:

• Reservation Policy: Provides quotas in education and employment for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Aims to prevent atrocities against SCs and STs and ensure their social dignity.
• National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC): Monitors and safeguards the interests of SCs.

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Way forward:

• Social Movements: Encouraging movements that promote social harmony and reduce caste-based discrimination.
• Educational Reforms: Implementing inclusive education policies that promote inter-caste understanding from a young age.
• Economic Empowerment: Providing economic opportunities to marginalized communities to reduce their dependence on caste-based occupations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there have been positive changes regarding the status of caste, it remains a significant social institution in India. The way forward involves promoting social harmony, inclusive education, and economic empowerment to gradually reduce the importance of caste. Caste is transitioning rather than vanishing, and this transition must be managed smoothly to ensure social cohesion.

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