Q. Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.

Model Answer: 

Intercaste and interreligious marriages

Intercaste and interreligious marriages in India present a complex socio-cultural landscape, with distinct trends emerging:

1. Intercaste marriages with socio-economic parity:
• Recent studies indicate a gradual increase, particularly in urban areas and among educated populations.
• The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) shows a rise in intercaste marriages from 10% to 13% over the past decade.
• This trend is more pronounced in states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, reflecting regional variations.
• Key drivers include:
– Expanding higher education opportunities, fostering diverse social interactions
– Urbanization and migration, weakening traditional caste networks
– Rising economic mobility, creating new social strata transcending caste boundaries
– Generational shift in attitudes towards caste identity

2. Interreligious marriages:
• Growth remains significantly slower, with estimates suggesting they constitute less than 2% of all marriages.
• Factors contributing to this stagnation:
– Deeper entrenchment of religious identities in personal and social spheres
– Legal complexities arising from personal laws and the absence of a Uniform Civil Code
– Politicization of interfaith unions, exemplified by “love jihad” controversies
– Endogamy reinforced by religious institutions and community leaders

3. Implications and challenges:
• Intercaste marriages potentially contribute to caste annihilation, as envisioned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
• Interreligious marriages remain contentious, often viewed through the lens of communal relations rather than individual choice.
• Both types of marriages face honor killings and social ostracism, necessitating stronger legal protections.

While socio-economic factors are increasingly overriding caste considerations in marriage choices, religious boundaries remain more resistant to change. This dichotomy reflects the evolving nature of social identities in contemporary India, where caste is gradually losing its rigidity in certain contexts, while religious identity continues to hold significant sway in personal and social spheres.