Caste System in India and South Asia

The caste system, originating from Hindu scriptures, stratifies society based on inherited occupations and social status. While often associated with Hinduism and India, this hierarchical system exists across South Asian religious communities in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan.

• Brahmins (priests) occupy the top tier, while Dalits (considered "untouchable") are relegated to menial tasks and face severe discrimination.
• Caste-based rules, including restrictions on marriage, maintain these rigid boundaries across generations.
• Caste identities persist even after conversion to other faiths like Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism.

Caste Discrimination in Non-Hindu Communities

The caste system has permeated various religious groups in South Asia, leading to discrimination within these communities based on birth identities:

• Among Christians, Anglo-Indians (of mixed British and Indian descent) are at the top, while converts from Dalit backgrounds face discrimination.
• In Muslim communities, the Ashraf (claiming noble Arab/Iranian ancestry) are considered superior to converts from lower Hindu castes (Ajlaf and Arzal).
• Sikh communities have a hierarchy with land-owning Jat-Sikhs at the top and Mazhabi Sikhs (converts from lower castes) at the bottom.

Consequences of Caste-Based Discrimination

Caste-based identity significantly impacts life outcomes and perpetuates socioeconomic disparities in South Asia:

• Upper castes have higher literacy rates, greater representation in higher education, and dominate private sector employment and entrepreneurship.
• Lower castes face barriers to education, employment, and health services, leading to poorer nutrition and overall well-being.
• Despite affirmative action policies, employment opportunities for lower castes remain limited.

Caste Discrimination in the Indian Diaspora

Caste-based discrimination persists among the South Asian diaspora in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and the African continent. In the United States:

• A 2016 survey found pervasive caste discrimination in workplaces, educational institutions, places of worship, and romantic partnerships.
• The state of California has sued Cisco Systems for alleged caste-based discrimination, and several universities have added caste protections to their non-discrimination policies.
• These developments highlight the need to address this centuries-old oppressive system and promote equality within the diaspora communities.

Untouchability and Social Boycotts

Despite legal prohibitions, the practice of "untouchability" towards Dalits persists in India, denying them basic human dignity and rights:

• A 2014 survey found that one in four Indians practices untouchability, avoiding contact with Dalits.
• Residential areas and rental housing remain segregated along caste lines, with lower castes often denied access.
• Lower castes face social and economic boycotts, ostracism, assault, and even murder for perceived transgressions against caste norms.

Hierarchy and Discrimination Beyond Religion

The caste system has deeply entrenched hierarchies and discriminatory practices that transcend religious boundaries in South Asia:

• Intercaste marriages remain rare (around 5% in India), with couples risking violence for violating caste norms.
• Lower castes are expected to defer to upper castes, refrain from self-expression, and avoid displaying affluence.
• Anti-blasphemy laws in Pakistan are sometimes used as a pretext for caste-based violence against Dalit converts to Christianity.

Caste and Socioeconomic Disparities

Caste identity is a significant determinant of socioeconomic status and overall success in South Asia:

• Most socioeconomic elites, regardless of religion, are affiliated with upper caste groups, while the vast majority of the poor come from lower castes.
• Upper castes have higher wealth accumulation and dominate private sector employment and entrepreneurship.
• Lower castes face barriers in accessing education, health services, and employment opportunities, perpetuating poverty and inequality.

Affirmative Action and Its Limitations

While affirmative action programs have improved educational levels for lower caste groups in India, their impact on employment opportunities remains limited:

• The British colonial administration and independent India introduced reservations (quotas) in education and government jobs for lower castes.
• These policies have increased access to education but have had limited success in ensuring proportional representation in employment.
• Private sector employment and entrepreneurship remain dominated by upper castes, despite affirmative action measures.