SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

Introduction
- Population Structure: The population in India is not a collection of unrelated individuals
but is made up of distinct yet interconnected classes and communities regulated by social
institutions.
- Central Institutions: The three central institutions in Indian society are caste, tribe, and
family.

Caste System

Historical Context:
- Ancient Roots: Caste is an ancient social institution unique to the Indian subcontinent,
deeply rooted in Hindu society but also present among Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs.
- Etymology: The English term 'caste' is derived from the Portuguese 'casta,' meaning pure
breed. In Indian languages, caste is referred to by two terms: 'varna' and 'jati'.
- Varna: Refers to a four-fold division of society (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra).
- Jati: Refers to species or kinds, indicating a more localized and complex system of sub-
classifications.

Characteristics of the Caste System:

1. Birth-based: Caste is determined by birth and is immutable.
2. Endogamy: Marriage is restricted within the caste.
3. Food Rules: There are strict rules about food and food-sharing.
4. Hierarchy: Castes are ranked in a hierarchy of status.
5. Segmental Organization: Castes have sub-castes within them.
6. Occupational Link: Traditional linkage of castes with specific occupations, hereditary in
nature.

Colonial Influence:
- Documentation: British colonial administrators extensively documented and categorized
caste through censuses and surveys.
- Changes: The colonial period significantly altered the caste system, making it more rigid
and well-defined.
- Depressed Classes: Legal recognition and special treatment for 'Scheduled Castes' and
'Scheduled Tribes' emerged during this period.

Post-Independence Developments:
- Constitutional Abolition: The Indian state aimed to abolish caste distinctions, reflected in
the Constitution.
- Reservation Policies: Affirmative action in the form of reservations for Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes was implemented.
- Economic and Social Changes: Industrialization, urbanization, and modern education
began to erode traditional caste practices, though prejudices and endogamy persisted.

Highlights and Key Points

- Caste's Ancient Roots: The caste system has been part of Indian society for thousands of
years, evolving significantly over time.
- Varna vs. Jati: Varna is a broad classification while jati is more localized, indicating a
complex hierarchy within regions.
- Rigid and Hereditary: The system is rigid, birth-based, and hereditary, with strict rules
governing marriage, food, and occupation.
- Colonial Impact: British colonial rule formalized and rigidified the caste system through
documentation and legal measures.
- Modern Changes: Post-independence India saw efforts to abolish caste through
constitutional measures and reservations, but social and cultural adherence to caste
remains strong.

Important Figures in Caste Reform

- Ayyankali: Fought for Dalit rights, enabling Dalits to walk on public roads and attend
schools.
- Jotirao Govindrao Phule: Denounced caste injustice and founded the Satyashodhak Samaj.
- Savitri Bai Phule: Pioneer in women's education and fought for the rights of Shudras and
Ati-Shudras.
- Periyar (E.V. Ramasami Naickar): Led the lower caste movement in South India advocating
for equality.
- Sri Narayana Guru: Preached brotherhood and fought against caste discrimination in
Kerala.