B.A.

LLB ( HONS) SEMESTER-I

RESEARCH PAPER

SUBJECT: SOCIOLOGY

TOPIC: INDIAN CASTE SYSTEM RELATED PROBLEMS

SUBMITTED BY: SHASHWAT DWIVEDI

ROLL NUMBER: A043

SUBMITTED TO: PROF. VRINDA MOHAN

 INDEX

INTROUDCTION...................................................... 3-4

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................. 4

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM..................................4

REVIEW OF LITERATURE....................................5-10

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES.......................................10

SOURCES OF DATA..................................................10

HYPOTHESIS..............................................................10

LIMITATION...............................................................10

ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVES.............11-12

CONCLUSION...............................................................12-13

REFERENCES................................................................14
 INTRODUCTION

In South Asia the caste system has been an important aspect of social organisation for thousand

years now. A caste, is often referred by the term ‘Jati’. The meaning of ‘Jati’ is the social

community in which an individual is born. In India some caste also have occupational name.

Based on name only, one can identify more than two thousand jatis. In India, among hindus

there exist mainly 4 caste (Jatis). Brahmins (priest) at the top of Social hierarchy, kshatriyas

(warriors) come at the second position of social hierarchy, Vaishyas ( merchants and peasants)

they came on the third level of social hierarchy and on the lowest level of social hierarchy

comes the Shudras (labourers). Jati rank depends on a factor called ‘relative level of impurity’

and this depends on the exposure with pollutants, including blood, dust, saliva etc. This is the

reason there were major inter-caste restriction in ancient times .So that a jati of higher level

doesn’t get corrupted by an individual of lower caste. There also existed a fifth group it was

excluded from the system itself because their occupations and way of living life was very

different. They were formerly called ‘untouchables’, because people during that time believed

that their touch may pollute upper caste, but the social leader The father of our nation Mahatma

Gandhi gave them a new name i.e. ‘harijan’ means children of god. In modern times they

belong to the schedule caste.

The caste discrimination and the hierarchy followed in Indian caste system is world’s longest

surviving social hierarchy. The discrimination on caste basis is a major problem in India. The

prime example of discrimination is “Untouchability” it means that the members of lower caste

particularly the scheduled caste are untouchables. Despite its constitution abolition in 1950, the

practice of ‘untouchability’ still exist in rural parts of India. The level on which ‘untouchability’

exist is unimaginable.
The schedule caste were not allowed to use the same well, visit same temple, drink tea from

same cups, the dalit children were made to sit at the back of the classroom. The rigid social

norm in India has gained quite a significance because of these rigid social norm inter-caste

marriage in rural areas of India is next to impossible. If a person of a lower caste marries

someone from the upper caste, the villagers often attack the family of lower caste. Allocarion

of labour on basis of caste is one of fundamental tenet of Indian caste system. The lower caste

is also subject to poor and low remuneration, which often leads them into bondage and slavery.

All of this caste discrimination leads to socio and economic disparity. There exist a large gap

between low and higher caste. The lower caste children also don’t get equal access to education

which leads to low literary level among lower caste people, But with time and government’s

initiative have improved the situation. Initiatives like Right to education till 14 years of age is

one of the example which has considerably improved the situation.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research aim of this study was to know about the caste system and the problems that exist

because of the caste system. For the analysis, the researcher gathered information and data from

various secondary sources such as journals, research papers, articles and online websites. The

research focused on finding the shortcomings of the caste system.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

This topic for research was taken because the problem related to caste system are a major

concern and the people of some lower caste suffer a lot because of this caste system and as the

world is developing it should be a major concern for Indians to not believe in the caste system

instead everyone should live as they want. Already the country has suffered because of the

caste system there have been major riots because of this caste system. So now it’s high time

that the caste system should not matter much to the countrymen.
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

TITLE: “Dalit Rights are Human Rights”

AUTHOR: Clifford Bob

PUBLISHER: Human Rights Quarterly

This article basically examines the dalits (untouchables) of India’s current efforts to turn

centuries old caste system into a human right issue. By examining it has been proven that the

dalits have achieved a limited success since 19990’s. This article basically presents lessons for

other oppressed communities to learn from dailt’s experience. This article mentions two main

points, first the organisational improvement, the establishment of a network within India is

extremely important. Second, the shift from narrow focus on caste based discrimination to a

larger focus.

TITLE: Caste, class synergies and discrimination in India

AUTHOR: Autar Dhesi

PUBLISHER: International Journal of Social Economics

This research paper talks about the class synergies and the discrimination that exist in Indian

society because of the class and caste system. Inequalities are common throughout the country

and the world. This research paper uses empirical data to prove that discrimination exist in the

society against certain social categories. Inequality causes disadvantages to certain section of

society because they don’t get equal opportunities like other individuals of society. This article

clearly mentions about the social change that is taking place simultaneously this article also

suggest certain steps which if came into force would speed up socio- economic change.
TITLE- Caste and Development: Contemporary prespective on a structure of

discrimination and change

AUTHOR: David Mosse

PUBLISHER: Elsevier

This research paper talks about the caste and contemporary prespective. The caste is inherited

identity but this plays an important role in getting life opportunities. This research paper asks

the question why caste- based inequalities does not find a space in SDG’s. This research paper

keeps India at the center and it finds that in India caste has been seen as main determinant in

some people’s success. Caste system is often termed as an archaic system. The effects of this

caste system differs from place to place. The reason why caste finds itself relevant now also is

that because of this caste system hoarding of opportunity happens which itself is a threat to

advancement of lower caste. This research paper urges the government for policy innovation

so that the discrimination on caste basis is minimised.

TITLE: Caste discrimination and Minority rights: The case of Indian Dalits

AUTHOR: Annapurna waughray

PUBLISHER: International Journal on Minority and Group Rights

This article talks in detail about the Indian dalits and minority rights also. The Indian dalits are

about 16.6% of total population. Despite legislative prohibition on untouchability its still in

practice in rural India. The dalits continue to suffer because untouchability is practiced against

them only. Internationally in 1996 only caste discrimination was affirmed as racial

discrimination by the United Nation. Indian dalits have also pursued minority rights before

international forum. But still the dalits do not satisfy every ground for being a minority. In

India also the dalits are not classified as legal minority. This article focuses on Indian provision
regarding dalits and minority. This article also examines relation between SC category and

religion. This article also expresses that Schedule caste status should be provided to muslim

and Christian also.

TITLE: Education and Caste in India

AUTHOR: Chandra Pal Singh Chauhan

PUBLISHER: Asia Pacific Journal of Education

This paper examines the reservation policy of India for lower caste. This article uses statistics

to do the study. The statistics used are from government sources. The article gives basic details

of the caste system and outlines the groups that are eligible for reservation. The set of policies

that have been in use have not benefitted the eligible caste. This article mention the contextual

factors as a reason that the policy have not been a major success. The factors are low school

enrolment, high dropout rates. To add to this problem more and more inclusion of different

caste into the reservation category has diluted the reservation policy. This research paper claims

that, unlike the SC’s and ST”s, under representation of any socio-economic group in

educational institution should be examined carefully. This paper also highlights the social,

pedagogic, psychological and political issue involved in the policy of reservation in educational

institution.

TITLE: History of Indian Caste System and Its Impact on India Today

AUTHOR: Manali S Deshpande

PUBLISHER: California Polytechnic State University

This research paper talks about the history of Indian caste system. The Indian Caste System

has been one of the most important social characteristic in India. The People of India being
divided on the basis of class, religion, region, tribe, gender and language. Despite the fact that

these forms of differences exist in all human culture but it becomes an issue when its becomes

the sole reason for the access to valued resources like wealth, income power and even it is

considered sole reason for basic amenities. The Indian Caste System is a closed system of

division, which means that an individual social rank is determined by the caste in which he is

born. The history of Indian Caste System is largely linked to Hinduism, the majority religion

of India. This research paper explores various aspects of Indian Caste Sytem and its impact on

India today.

TITLE: Caste – based crimes and economic status: Evidence from India

AUTHOR: Smriti Sharma

PUBLISHER: Journal of Comparitive Economics

This research paper studies about the crimes committed by the higher caste against the

historically suppressed Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes in India. The crimes committed

against SC and ST are classic example of prejudice and discrimination. This Paper studies

whether changes in standards of living between the SC/ST’s to that of upper caste is related to

change in occurrence of crime. This paper finds that change in standard of living is correlated

with incidence of crimes committed by upper caste against the lower caste. This paper uses the

data from 2001-2010 to complete its study.

TITLE: Caste and Economic Discrimination: Cause, Consequences and Remedies

AUTHOR: Sukhadeo Thorat and Katherine S Newman

PUBLISHER: Economic and Political weekly

This paper talks about the caste and economic discrimination on the basis of caste. The purpose

of this paper is to provide a theoretical introduction to study of discrimination, with the focus

on the caste system. This paper establishes the context for four emphirical that follow by

underlining waysin which caste continues to be a source of inequality in India. Inefficiencies

in the allocation of labour and other resources are reducing economic efficiency. As society

progresses, discrimination remains a major problem. Self correction cannot be an option here

instead innovative approach and new policy are required. In order to develop appropriate

remedies to eliminate caste inequality one needs to understand how economy interacts with

caste value.

TITLE: Gender and Caste – based wage discrimination in India

AUTHOR: Tushar Agrawal

PUBLISHER: Springer

This research paper uses a national survey, this research investigates wage inequality in India

by gender and Social grouping. In both rural and urban areas, there exists pay disparities

between sub group of population. A special method named Blinder – Oaxaca was used to divide

sectors. After the study the researcher came across wage disparities that exist between gender

groups and various social categories. The research found out that there is a huge gap between

men and women. There also existed gap in wage pay among different social groups.

TITLE: Caste based Discrimination: Evidence and Policy

AUTHOR: Zahra Siddique

PUBLISHER: IZA
This research paper is about the caste based discrimination that exist in job sector. In India’s

public sector, caste based hiring has been in place for decades now. There has been a discussion

recently on implementing quotas in private sector too. An study has been used to establish

caste- based prejudice in India. In the private sector low caste applicants have to provide with

20% more resume than those from higher caste. Callbacks received by higher caste people are

same in number as compared to lower caste. High Caste applicants are also favoured by

different firms with small scale operations, while large scale operation firm favour employee

from low caste.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1. To study about the caste based system.

2. To analyze the discrimination faced by the people of lower caste.

SOURCES OF DATA

The sources of data for this research are all from secondary sources which basically means it

involves the use of pre existing data to complete the research. This work includes research

papers, journals, websites from previously completed work.

HYPOTHESIS

Effects of Caste based discrimination on the people of lower and backward caste.

LIMITATIONS

The limitation of the sources used is that it includes pre - existing data and no fresh data is

collected by the researcher as is the case in primary sources. In primary sources the data is

collected by doing surveys which is not the case in secondary sources of data.

ANALYSIS
 1. To study about the caste based system

After doing the literature review on caste based system in India it was found that the caste

system in India has many theories to it. Religious theories explain that caste based system found

it roots to RIG VEDA, When a man named purush destroyed himself four varnas were formed

i.e. Brahmins, Kshatariyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Historically it is believed that caste system

came into existence with the arrival of Aryans around 1500 BC. From 1500 BC till today caste

system still exist and finds significance in many parts of the country. The division of caste

constitutes one of the most fundamental features of India’s social structure. Members of

different caste are expected to behave differently and in accordance with their respective caste.

Traditionally this caste system in India was legitimised by hindu religious texts. The caste

system in ancient India was legitimised by Vedas as it found justification in Vedas.

In the Modern India relationship between castes have become very relaxed today. Many have

now taken up different occupation which is often not related to their caste. Wealth and income

now in village are less associated with upper caste than before. Idea of purity and pollution

have now become stagnant. Although discrimination on basis of basis of caste has been

outlawed in India but now the caste has become a means for competing to power and wealth in

modern India. Caste is also being used now to access opportunities such as educational,

opportunities in new occupations and improvement in life chances. Many of the lower caste

have gained from the partial elimination of the caste system and India should be applauded in

this effort but still goal is to achieve a society without caste discrimination.

2. To analyze the discrimination faced by people of lower caste

After studying different literature on discrimination faced by the people of lower caste, I found

out that there existed discrimination on the basis of social, economical and caste and class.

People of lower caste was excluded from the mainstream society because of his lower caste.
Individuals belonging to lower caste didn’t get equal opportunities which in turn made it

possible that they remain economically backward. The caste became the main basis to judge

an Individual’s capabilities. The discrimination not stopped here people from lower caste were

not allowed to pray in the temples in which people of upper class went to, they were not allowed

to sit infront of the upper class people. They used to get side when they saw someone coming

from the upper caste they did this as it was believed that the dalits pollute the environment

where they used to go. The children of the lower class wee not allowed to play with upper class

children and they used to either sit at the backside of the classroom or they were made to sit on

the floor. There was total abolition on inter caste marriage. If by chance a person of lower class

married a person of upper caste life of his whole family came into danger in order to save

his/her family either they didn’t marry or after getting married they used to leave that town or

village. The discrimination faced by the lower caste people is unimaginable and equally

inhumane.

CONCLUSION

The Indian caste system has played an important role in shaping values of our Indian society.

Religion has been an constant source of the values that were being added in the society.

Beginning with the Aryans and continuing with a long road of discrimination on the basis of

caste. Even after 74 years of independence, the Indians find themselves wrapped around caste

consciousness. India has been surviving till date with closed groups divided on the basis of

caste. During the ancient time there was a huge divide on the basis caste, there was no area left

where there was no discrimination from temples to school everywhere discrimination existed.

Work was also divided on the basis of caste. The lower caste people used to get work which

was considered as impure. Mobility of occupation was restricted which meant no one was

allowed to leave his ancestoral job. It is clearly evident that caste played an important role in

dynamics of social interaction.

However with changing times the discrimination on the basis of caste has been minimising. In

the urban areas the discrimination does not exist much credits to the education system. But in

rural area the discrimination still exist the level has reduced but it needs to reduce more. The

government after independence need to be applauded for this as different government took

different steps to curb this menace of caste discrimination. But still the work is not done the

government needs to come up with more innovative policies and students of small classes

should be taught about the ill effects of discrimination so that one day this menace of

discrimination comes to an end.

 REFERENCES

1. Bob, C. (2007). "dalit rights are human rights": Caste discrimination,

international activism, and the construction of a new human rights issue.

Human Rights Quarterly, 29(1), 167–193.

https://doi.org/10.1353/hrq.2007.0001

2. Dhesi, A. S. (1998). Caste, class synergies and discrimination in India.

International Journal of Social Economics, 25(6/7/8), 1030–1048.

https://doi.org/10.1108/03068299810212423

3. Mosse, D. (2018). Caste and development: Contemporary perspectives on a

structure of discrimination and advantage. World Development, 110, 422–436.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.06.003

4. Waughray, A. (2010). Caste discrimination and minority rights: The case of

India's dalits. International Journal on Minority and Group Rights, 17(2),

327–353. https://doi.org/10.1163/157181110x495926

5. Sharma, S. (2015). Caste-based crimes and economic status: Evidence from

India. Journal of Comparative Economics, 43(1), 204–226.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jce.2014.10.005

6. Agrawal, T. (2013). Gender and caste-based wage discrimination in India:

Some recent evidence. Journal for Labour Market Research, 47(4), 329–340.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12651-013-0152-z

7. Siddique, Z. (2009). Caste based discrimination: Evidence and policy. SSRN

Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1550883