Q: Elaborate on changing nature of caste system with suitable illustrations.

Model Answer:

Changing Nature of India’s Caste System

The caste system in India has undergone significant transformations over time, particularly since independence. As sociologist M.N. Srinivas observed, understanding these changes requires moving beyond a “book view” to a “field view” of Indian society. This essay will elaborate on the changing nature of the caste system with suitable illustrations.

Evolving Dynamics of the Caste System:

1. Shift in power dynamics:
• Srinivas’s concept of “dominant caste” highlights how economic and political power now outweigh ritual status in determining a caste’s position.
• Example: The rise of backward castes in politics, such as the Yadavs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

2. Increased social mobility:
• Srinivas’s theory of “Sanskritization” explains how lower castes adopt upper caste practices to claim higher status.
• André Béteille’s research shows class increasingly overshadowing caste in urban areas.
• Illustration: The emergence of a Dalit middle class in metropolitan cities.

3. Politicization of caste identities:
• Lloyd and Susanne Rudolph’s concept of “modernity of tradition” explains how caste identities are reinforced through modern democratic processes.
• Example: Formation of caste-based political parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party.

4. Legal interventions and policy implications:
• Constitutional provisions and reservation policies have challenged traditional hierarchies.
• Dipankar Gupta’s theory of “reification” of caste identities for accessing benefits.

5. Transformation of rural caste dynamics:
• Srinivas’s village studies revealed how land reforms and the Green Revolution altered traditional caste-based economic interdependencies.
• Example: The rise of middle-ranking agricultural castes like Jats and Patels as dominant landowning groups.

6. Persistence and evolution of discrimination:
• Satish Deshpande’s work on “culturalization” of caste shows how discrimination persists in subtle forms.
• Illustration: Continued prevalence of separate wells or temples for Dalits in some villages.

7. Impact of economic liberalization:
• Surinder Jodhka argues that market forces have introduced new forms of exclusion often aligning with caste divisions.
• Illustration: Over-representation of upper castes in the formal private sector.

8. Changing marriage patterns:
• Patricia Uberoi’s studies show caste remains significant in matrimonial choices, even as inter-caste marriages increase.
• Example: Prevalence of caste-based filters on matrimonial websites.

Conclusion:
The caste system, while persistent, has adapted to modern realities, reflecting a complex interplay between tradition and modernity in contemporary India.