What is the Caste System in India?

The caste system, a birth-based social hierarchy system, originated in Hindu scriptures and crystallized during British colonial rule in India. It has stratified society in every South Asian religious community, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists.

• Social, economic, and political status in this system is tied to traditional occupations fixed by birth.
• Brahmins (priestly work) are at the top, while Dalits (considered "untouchable") are relegated to the bottom, forced into abject occupations like cleaning streets and toilets.
• Caste-based rules of marriage maintain these boundaries firmly.

Caste System Permeates Religions in South Asia

The caste system organizes social life not only among Hindus but also in other religions in the region, such as Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Caste identities persist even generations after conversion.

• Among South Asian Christians, Anglo-Indians are at the top, followed by converts from middle-level Hindu castes, Indigenous backgrounds, and Dalit castes at the bottom.
• In Muslim communities, the Ashraf (claiming noble status) are at the top, followed by Ajlaf (converts from Hindu artisanal castes), and Arzal (converts from Dalit communities) at the bottom.
• In Sikhism, Jat-Sikhs (land-owning caste) are at the top, followed by converts from Hindu trading communities, and Mazhabi Sikhs (converts from lower castes) at the bottom.

Discrimination and Untouchability in India

Despite being prohibited by law, the practice of "untouchability" (avoiding contact with Dalits) persists in India. Lower castes face discrimination and segregation in various aspects of life.

• Intercaste marriages are rare (about 5% of all marriages in India) and often face violence.
• Lower castes are expected to defer to upper castes, refrain from expressing themselves, and avoid displaying affluence, or risk socioeconomic boycotts, assault, or even murder.
• Residential areas and rental markets are often segregated based on caste.

Caste and Life Outcomes in South Asia

Caste-based identity is a major determinant of success in South Asia, with upper castes having better literacy, wealth, representation in higher education, and dominating private sector employment and entrepreneurship.

• Affirmative action programs have improved educational levels of lower castes, but employment opportunities remain limited.
• Caste identity affects nutrition, health, and access to healthcare services due to disparities in purchasing power and discrimination.
• Most socioeconomic elites in South Asia are affiliated with upper caste groups, while the vast majority of the poor come from lower caste groups.

Caste Discrimination in the Indian Diaspora

Scholars have documented similar discriminatory practices based on caste in the Indian diaspora communities across the UK, Australia, Canada, Africa, and the US.

• A 2016 survey, "Caste in the USA," found that caste discrimination was pervasive across workplaces, educational institutions, places of worship, and romantic partnerships.
• Several US states and institutions, including California, Harvard University, Colby College, UC Davis, and Brandeis University, have recognized caste as a protected status and included it in their non-discrimination policies.
• These developments highlight the need for the Indian diaspora to address this centuries-old system of oppression and discrimination.

Efforts to Address Caste-Based Discrimination

While affirmative action programs and legal measures have been implemented to address caste-based discrimination in India and other countries, the deeply entrenched system continues to affect various aspects of life for lower caste groups.

• Advocacy groups and activists are raising awareness about the pervasiveness of caste discrimination and its impacts on society.
• Educational institutions and workplaces, particularly in the diaspora, are recognizing caste as a protected status and implementing non-discrimination policies.
• Further efforts are needed to promote equality, address systemic barriers, and dismantle the rigid hierarchical system based on birth.