CBSE · Class 10 · Social Science · Civics: Gender, Religion and CasteExamine how caste inequalities have survived in modern India and analyze the relationship between caste and politics in the electoral process.

Introduction to Caste Inequalities in Modern India\nCaste system has been a unique and persistent feature of Indian society. Despite the constitutional prohibition of untouchability, strict legal measures, and the process of modernization, urbanization, and education, caste inequalities have not completely disappeared from modern India. They have rather transformed and adapted to the contemporary socio-economic and political landscape.

Persistence of Caste Inequalities

• Economic Stratification: Even today, the traditional correlation between caste and economic status persists to a large extent. Most of the affluent and land-owning communities belong to the so-called upper castes, while the historically disadvantaged groups—Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)—form the bulk of the poor and landless population.
• Social Discrimination and Endogamy: Marriage practices in India continue to be largely restricted within caste boundaries (endogamy). Incidents of caste-based discrimination, prejudice, and violence against Dalits and marginalized groups are still reported from various parts of the country.
• Access to Education and Jobs: Although reservation policies have helped bridge the gap, access to higher education and white-collar professional jobs still shows significant disparities rooted in caste backgrounds and social capital.

Caste and Politics

• Choice of Candidates: Political parties do not choose candidates randomly; they keep the caste composition of the electorate in mind while distributing tickets in a constituency to muster maximum support.
• Voter Mobilization: During elections, caste sentiments, appeals to caste identity, and caste associations are frequently used by political leaders to mobilize voters. Winning the support of specific caste coalitions often decides electoral outcomes.
• Universal Adult Franchise and Empowerment: On the flip side, politics has given marginalized castes a political voice and a sense of power. Participation in the democratic process has enabled lower castes to demand their rights, share power, and challenge age-old dominance.

Conclusion\nCaste and politics are deeply intertwined in India. While caste-based politics can sometimes deepen social divisions and lead to polarization, it has simultaneously played a crucial role in empowering disadvantaged groups and bringing them into the mainstream of governance and democracy.