CASTE AND RELIGION AS IDENTITIES SHAPING MODERN INDIA

The Indian caste system has played a significant role in shaping the occupations and roles as
well as values of Indian society. Since India’s independence from Britain in 1947, there has
been considerable relaxation of rules related to the caste system. In contemporary Indian
scenario, caste mobilisation has become an important factor in determining Indian politics.

Although discrimination based on caste has been outlawed in India, caste has become a
means for competing for access to resources and power in modern India, such as educational
opportunities, new occupations, and improvement in life chances. According to Dr
Ambedkar caste divisions exist among many sub-groups. Caste is a reality in our society,
but untouchability is a sin. The sense of community spirit is suffocated by caste. The
concept of caste contradicts the ideal society/social order based on liberty, equality , and
fraternity. Mahatma Gandhi opposed caste discrimination, but he did not reject the social
structure that fostered prejudice against people based on their birth. Ambedkar, on the other
hand, held the caste system as the root of all the social evils that Indian society faced.
Ambedkar called for the annihilation of caste altogether. Similarly, the Brahmans' selfish
desire to maintain their dominance over the rest of society led them to believe that the Varna
system was God-given and hence impregnable. The breaking up of caste among the Hindus is
almost impossible. At any rate, it would take ages before a breach is made.

Gandhi's concept of God and religion is quite oriental. For him, the base of all religions
remains the same, while the superstructure of all religions varies. This the superstructure is
supported by various forms of worship and rituals but are not given core importance in his
concept of dharma. Gandhi expressed the opinion that religion can become a basis for
friendship among all mankind. Gandhi out of his own experiences and readings concluded
that all religions are based on the same principles, namely, truth and love. He was greatly
perturbed by the fighting among people in the name of religion, and, in fact, laid his life for
the sake of religious unity. And it’s true even after the constitution has enforced articles
regarding caste and religion still people’s mentality related to this subject has not changed a
lot in 21st century. Riots, protests, religious discrimination etc. still take place. Despite these
efforts, inequalities under the system persist in modern India, and they have even contributed
to reinforce divides to some extent.
Jyotiba Phule’s social thoughts are based on humanism. It is based on the values like
equality, Justice, and tranquillity. He spread value-based system through his work and
thought. Our country is independent but still independent values are not there in our society
the reason is that varna and caste system is still followed in some part of our country.
Jyotiba’s humanism is true and modern. In modern civilization every individual should
follow his humanism.

The mixing of religion and politics in India is not new. This mingling began with the state's
sponsorship of the Brahminical Vedic tradition, which assured that clerical elites would
defend the state in return. The kings had political authority in India's early state formations,
but they were dependant on the brahmins for legitimacy, which they compensated with
promises of protection and financial riches. The degree of moral authority Brahmins
possessed independent of governmental power is a unique feature of India's growth. In the
Indian culture, religion has significant role. Political leaders realized that to retain unity in
India, there is a need to remain secular. Therefore, Gandhiji had been preaching brotherhood
among the different religious groups. After five years in power, the BJP has accomplished an
ambitious feat: it has solidified its role as a hegemonic political power and the ongoing duel
between secularism and Hindu majoritarianism in Indian politics, it is important to assess the
role that Hindu nationalism is playing in India’s democracy under the political leadership of
the BJP. Across the political landscape, religion and religious symbolism have become
entrenched. There are right-wing Hindu nationalists who argue that India’s future peace,
prosperity, and stability can only be obtained under a Ram Rajya.

Whereas the world has entered in the third millennium and is progressing towards
accomplishing the goals and liberty and equality and fraternity still India has failed to
eradicate untouchability and caste-based discrimination. Sincerely believe that the caste
problem is not the problem of Dalit one but also the problem of entire nation and without the
annihilation of caste and the elimination of other primordial identities, India will not truly
progress. Today, Dalits have a positive identity, and there is a growing acceptance of lower-
caste people, but open hate and violence are still directed against lower castes and classes in
many regions of India. Some Dalits reaching higher levels in professions, business, and
politics, some are economically well off. But some Dalits still suffer from social stigma and
reactionary political discrimination., till today caste-mind set exists in our country. This kind
of mind set should be removed from the society. Whether true or not, religion is here to stay
and will not be fading away anytime soon, though its form and organization may change.
Caste and religion should not be given such superiority instead irrespective of this people
should change their outlook and treat human beings the way they are.