The caste system, a deeply ingrained and evolving social structure, continues to shape Indian society, manifesting through historical practices, political dynamics, and shifting identities.
Understanding the Roots of Caste
The caste system is a complex, hierarchical framework characterized by aspects like endogamy (marriage within one’s group), strict social hierarchy, and traditional occupational segregation. Scholars like G.S. Ghurye identified additional features, including societal divisions and restrictions on social interactions.
At its core, the system often operates along a purity-pollution binary, influencing various facets of life and defining social standing within communities.
Sanskritisation: A Path to Upward Mobility?
For a long time, caste was seen as a completely rigid system with no scope for social mobility. However, M.N. Srinivas challenged this view with his concept of “Sanskritisation” in 1952.
Sanskritisation describes a process where lower castes emulate the rituals and practices of higher, ritually superior castes to achieve upward social mobility. This concept provided a “field-view” of caste, highlighting its dynamic nature on the ground, unlike the simplistic “book-view” based on the four traditional varnas.
Many intermediate caste groups, such as the Ahirs and Kurmis, and even some tribal communities, have undergone Sanskritisation over generations. This shift often led to new economic aspirations, prompting individuals to distance themselves from traditional, often stigmatized, occupations.
Caste and the Political Landscape
The advent of electoral democracy in independent India was thought by many to diminish caste’s relevance. Yet, Srinivas foresaw its continued importance, introducing the concept of the “dominant caste.” This term describes a caste group with significant numerical strength and land ownership, wielding considerable influence in local politics.
Political scientist Rajni Kothari further explored this relationship, arguing against the idea that caste belongs only to tradition while politics is modern. He asserted that when caste engages with politics, it undergoes a process of secularization, fostering new forms of integration and a consciousness rooted in rights and constitutional claims.
More recently, scholars like Satish Deshpande have highlighted the critical need to examine the “alleged castelessness” of upper castes, noting their near invisibility in discussions of caste politics compared to the hyper-visibility of lower-caste politics.
The Evolution of Caste Identity
The shifting dynamics of caste have also reshaped identity. Sociologist Dipankar Gupta argues that in contemporary India, caste identity often triumphs over traditional hierarchy. He suggests that the rigid, all-encompassing hierarchy based on purity and pollution is no longer the sole defining feature.
Instead, different caste groups have become more assertive, articulating their own claims of dominance and superiority. This means understanding caste today often involves looking at discrete caste identities rather than solely through the lens of a single, unified caste system.
Caste’s Enduring Presence
Despite expectations that modernization, education, and democracy would erase caste, it has shown an extraordinary capacity to adapt. A.M. Shah noted that creating a “casteless” society remains an elusive goal, highlighting the gap between aspirations and lived realities.
Andre Beteille acknowledges caste’s “peculiar tenacity” but also points to “cracks” in the system. These include less stringent purity-pollution rules, fewer marriages strictly regulated by caste, and the emergence of caste-free occupations.
However, the persistence of caste-based violence, the reality of manual scavenging, honor killings, and the continued practice of untouchability—as observed by recent studies—remind us that despite evolving dynamics, the discriminatory aspects of caste remain a harsh reality for many.
- Sanskritisation explains how lower castes seek upward mobility by adopting practices of ritually higher castes.
- The “dominant caste” concept illustrates how numerical strength and land ownership give certain caste groups political influence.
- Caste identity is increasingly seen as dynamic, with groups asserting their own claims rather than adhering strictly to a single hierarchy.
- Despite modernization, caste persists, adapting to new social and political contexts, though challenges like discrimination and violence remain.
The ongoing scholarly work on caste underscores its complex, adaptive nature and its continued, often contradictory, influence on Indian society.
The user wants me to rewrite a news article about the caste system in India.
I need to follow the provided mobile-first, high-engagement news content format.
Here’s a breakdown of the requirements and how I’ll address them:
1. **Short introductory paragraph (one line summary):** I will create a concise opening sentence that summarizes the article’s focus on caste through Sanskritisation, politics, and identity.
2. **Multiple section headings (
or
):** I’ll use
for main sections based on the original article’s structure: Understanding Caste, Sanskritisation, Caste and Politics, Caste Identity, and Persistence of Caste.
3. **Clear, conversational tone:** I will use accessible language, avoiding overly academic jargon where possible, and maintaining a direct, engaging style.
4. **Short paragraphs (1-3 sentences):** I will break down the information into very short paragraphs for easy readability on mobile devices.
5. **Optional key takeaways list (
- ):** I will include a “Key Takeaways” section at the end to summarize the main points and concepts discussed.
6. **Fully HTML-formatted output:** The entire output will be enclosed in `
` tags, and all paragraphs (`
`), headings (`
`), and lists (`
- `) will be properly HTML formatted.
7. **Length between 300-600 words:** I will monitor the word count during the rewrite to ensure it falls within this range.
8. **Don’t include:**
* Title of the article or any h1 tag: Confirmed.
* Emojis: Confirmed.
* Asterisks or any markdown formatting: Confirmed, will use HTML list tags.
**Content Strategy:**
* **Introduction:** Briefly define caste and its evolution.
* **Understanding Caste:** Detail its core features (endogamy, hierarchy, purity-pollution).
* **Sanskritisation:** Explain Srinivas’s concept, its impact on social mobility, and examples.
* **Caste and Politics:** Discuss Srinivas’s ‘dominant caste,’ Kothari’s views on politicization, and modern perspectives on upper-caste “castelessness.”
* **Caste Identity:** Focus on Dipankar Gupta’s idea of identity triumphing over hierarchy and the shift to discrete identities.
* **Making Sense of Persistence:** Address why caste endures, contrasting optimistic views (Beteille’s “cracks”) with grim realities (violence, untouchability).
* **Key Takeaways:** Summarize the main theoretical contributions and the ongoing relevance of caste.
I will ensure to remove all extraneous information from the original article, such as ads, author details, post-read questions, and promotional links/YouTube embeds.
Confidence Score: 5/5 – I’m confident I can meet all requirements.
Strategizing complete. I will now proceed with generating the response based on this plan.
The caste system remains a foundational, yet ever-evolving, aspect of Indian society, deeply intertwined with its culture, politics, and individual identities.
Understanding the Roots of Caste
Defining India’s diverse society often leads us to the caste system. Historically, this hierarchical system, originating in the Hindu social order, has demonstrated discriminatory workings across various communities in India.
Caste is characterized by features like endogamy, clear hierarchy, and occupational segregation. Early scholars, including G.S. Ghurye, highlighted additional traits like the segmental division of society and restrictions on social interactions.
These features largely operate on a purity-pollution binary, deeply influencing social dynamics and individual lives.
Sanskritisation: A Path to Mobility?
For a long time, the caste system was considered rigid, with no upward mobility. However, M.N. Srinivas challenged this in 1952 with his concept of “Sanskritisation.”
Sanskritisation describes a process where lower castes seek to improve their social standing by adopting the rituals and practices of higher, ritually superior castes. This idea was crucial, as it showcased a “field-view” of caste, revealing its adaptability on the ground, unlike the simplistic “book-view” of the traditional varna system.
Many intermediate castes, like the Ahirs and Kurmis, and even tribal groups in close contact with caste society, have undergone Sanskritisation. This process often sparked new economic aspirations, leading individuals to move away from traditionally “unclean occupations.”
Caste and the Political Landscape
Upon India’s independence, some believed democracy would diminish caste’s influence. Yet, Srinivas foresaw its continued relevance, introducing the concept of the “dominant caste.” This refers to a caste group with significant numerical strength and control over cultivable land, wielding substantial political power.
Eminent political scientist Rajni Kothari argued against separating caste (tradition) from politics (modernity). In his work, he explored how caste becomes politicized, leading to new forms of integration and a consciousness based on rights and constitutional claims.
Later scholars, like Satish Deshpande, have critically questioned the “hyper-visibility” of lower-caste politics versus the “near invisibility” of upper-caste politics, suggesting that the “castelessness” of upper castes warrants closer examination.
The Evolution of Caste Identity
The changing dynamics of caste have also reshaped identity. Sociologist Dipankar Gupta argues that today, caste identity often takes precedence over traditional hierarchy.
He suggests that the all-encompassing hierarchy based on purity and pollution no longer fully defines the system. Instead, various caste groups have become more assertive, expressing their own claims of dominance and superiority.
This shift emphasizes understanding castes as discrete identities, influenced by new economic aspirations and political alliances like caste associations and political groups.
Caste’s Enduring Presence
Many scholars once believed that modern education, democracy, and constitutional reforms would lead to the disappearance of caste. However, caste has proven remarkably adaptable, evolving with societal and political changes.
A.M. Shah noted that the goal of a casteless society in India has become a “mirage.” Andre Beteille also acknowledged caste’s “peculiar tenacity,” but pointed to some “cracks” in the system. These include less rigid purity-pollution rules, fewer marriages strictly regulated by caste, and the emergence of caste-free occupations.
Despite these observations, the grim realities of caste-based violence, manual scavenging, honor killings, and the continued existence of untouchability, as documented in recent studies, underscore that deep-seated discrimination persists.
- The caste system is defined by endogamy, hierarchy, and occupational segregation, often operating on a purity-pollution binary.
- Sanskritisation is a process where lower castes adopt practices of higher castes to achieve upward social mobility.
- Caste plays a significant role in politics, with dominant castes wielding influence and caste consciousness shifting towards rights-based claims.
- Modern understanding of caste emphasizes identity over traditional hierarchy, with groups asserting distinct claims.
- Despite modernization, caste endures, adapting to new contexts, though deeply rooted discrimination and violence persist.
The study of caste continues to highlight its complex, adaptive nature and its profound impact on the fabric of Indian society.
for main sections based on the original article’s structure: Understanding Caste, Sanskritisation, Caste and Politics, Caste Identity, and Persistence of Caste.
3. **Clear, conversational tone:** I will use accessible language, avoiding overly academic jargon where possible, and maintaining a direct, engaging style.
4. **Short paragraphs (1-3 sentences):** I will break down the information into very short paragraphs for easy readability on mobile devices.
5. **Optional key takeaways list (
- ):** I will include a “Key Takeaways” section at the end to summarize the main points and concepts discussed.
6. **Fully HTML-formatted output:** The entire output will be enclosed in `
` tags, and all paragraphs (`
`), headings (`
`), and lists (`
- `) will be properly HTML formatted.
7. **Length between 300-600 words:** I will monitor the word count during the rewrite to ensure it falls within this range.
8. **Don’t include:**
* Title of the article or any h1 tag: Confirmed.
* Emojis: Confirmed.
* Asterisks or any markdown formatting: Confirmed, will use HTML list tags.
**Content Strategy:**
* **Introduction:** Briefly define caste and its evolution.
* **Understanding Caste:** Detail its core features (endogamy, hierarchy, purity-pollution).
* **Sanskritisation:** Explain Srinivas’s concept, its impact on social mobility, and examples.
* **Caste and Politics:** Discuss Srinivas’s ‘dominant caste,’ Kothari’s views on politicization, and modern perspectives on upper-caste “castelessness.”
* **Caste Identity:** Focus on Dipankar Gupta’s idea of identity triumphing over hierarchy and the shift to discrete identities.
* **Making Sense of Persistence:** Address why caste endures, contrasting optimistic views (Beteille’s “cracks”) with grim realities (violence, untouchability).
* **Key Takeaways:** Summarize the main theoretical contributions and the ongoing relevance of caste.
I will ensure to remove all extraneous information from the original article, such as ads, author details, post-read questions, and promotional links/YouTube embeds.
Confidence Score: 5/5 – I’m confident I can meet all requirements.
Strategizing complete. I will now proceed with generating the response based on this plan.
The caste system remains a foundational, yet ever-evolving, aspect of Indian society, deeply intertwined with its culture, politics, and individual identities.
Understanding the Roots of Caste
Defining India’s diverse society often leads us to the caste system. Historically, this hierarchical system, originating in the Hindu social order, has demonstrated discriminatory workings across various communities in India.
Caste is characterized by features like endogamy, clear hierarchy, and occupational segregation. Early scholars, including G.S. Ghurye, highlighted additional traits like the segmental division of society and restrictions on social interactions.
These features largely operate on a purity-pollution binary, deeply influencing social dynamics and individual lives.
Sanskritisation: A Path to Mobility?
For a long time, the caste system was considered rigid, with no upward mobility. However, M.N. Srinivas challenged this in 1952 with his concept of “Sanskritisation.”
Sanskritisation describes a process where lower castes seek to improve their social standing by adopting the rituals and practices of higher, ritually superior castes. This idea was crucial, as it showcased a “field-view” of caste, revealing its adaptability on the ground, unlike the simplistic “book-view” of the traditional varna system.
Many intermediate castes, like the Ahirs and Kurmis, and even tribal groups in close contact with caste society, have undergone Sanskritisation. This process often sparked new economic aspirations, leading individuals to move away from traditionally “unclean occupations.”
Caste and the Political Landscape
Upon India’s independence, some believed democracy would diminish caste’s influence. Yet, Srinivas foresaw its continued relevance, introducing the concept of the “dominant caste.” This refers to a caste group with significant numerical strength and control over cultivable land, wielding substantial political power.
Eminent political scientist Rajni Kothari argued against separating caste (tradition) from politics (modernity). In his work, he explored how caste becomes politicized, leading to new forms of integration and a consciousness based on rights and constitutional claims.
Later scholars, like Satish Deshpande, have critically questioned the “hyper-visibility” of lower-caste politics versus the “near invisibility” of upper-caste politics, suggesting that the “castelessness” of upper castes warrants closer examination.
The Evolution of Caste Identity
The changing dynamics of caste have also reshaped identity. Sociologist Dipankar Gupta argues that today, caste identity often takes precedence over traditional hierarchy.
He suggests that the all-encompassing hierarchy based on purity and pollution no longer fully defines the system. Instead, various caste groups have become more assertive, expressing their own claims of dominance and superiority.
This shift emphasizes understanding castes as discrete identities, influenced by new economic aspirations and political alliances like caste associations and political groups.
Caste’s Enduring Presence
Many scholars once believed that modern education, democracy, and constitutional reforms would lead to the disappearance of caste. However, caste has proven remarkably adaptable, evolving with societal and political changes.
A.M. Shah noted that the goal of a casteless society in India has become a “mirage.” Andre Beteille also acknowledged caste’s “peculiar tenacity,” but pointed to some “cracks” in the system. These include less rigid purity-pollution rules, fewer marriages strictly regulated by caste, and the emergence of caste-free occupations.
Despite these observations, the grim realities of caste-based violence, manual scavenging, honor killings, and the continued existence of untouchability, as documented in recent studies, underscore that deep-seated discrimination persists.
- The caste system is defined by endogamy, hierarchy, and occupational segregation, often operating on a purity-pollution binary.
- Sanskritisation is a process where lower castes adopt practices of higher castes to achieve upward social mobility.
- Caste plays a significant role in politics, with dominant castes wielding influence and caste consciousness shifting towards rights-based claims.
- Modern understanding of caste emphasizes identity over traditional hierarchy, with groups asserting distinct claims.
- Despite modernization, caste endures, adapting to new contexts, though deeply rooted discrimination and violence persist.
The study of caste continues to highlight its complex, adaptive nature and its profound impact on the fabric of Indian society.
6. **Fully HTML-formatted output:** The entire output will be enclosed in `
`), headings (`
`), and lists (`
- `) will be properly HTML formatted.
7. **Length between 300-600 words:** I will monitor the word count during the rewrite to ensure it falls within this range.
8. **Don’t include:**
* Title of the article or any h1 tag: Confirmed.
* Emojis: Confirmed.
* Asterisks or any markdown formatting: Confirmed, will use HTML list tags.
**Content Strategy:**
* **Introduction:** Briefly define caste and its evolution.
* **Understanding Caste:** Detail its core features (endogamy, hierarchy, purity-pollution).
* **Sanskritisation:** Explain Srinivas’s concept, its impact on social mobility, and examples.
* **Caste and Politics:** Discuss Srinivas’s ‘dominant caste,’ Kothari’s views on politicization, and modern perspectives on upper-caste “castelessness.”
* **Caste Identity:** Focus on Dipankar Gupta’s idea of identity triumphing over hierarchy and the shift to discrete identities.
* **Making Sense of Persistence:** Address why caste endures, contrasting optimistic views (Beteille’s “cracks”) with grim realities (violence, untouchability).
* **Key Takeaways:** Summarize the main theoretical contributions and the ongoing relevance of caste.
I will ensure to remove all extraneous information from the original article, such as ads, author details, post-read questions, and promotional links/YouTube embeds.
Confidence Score: 5/5 – I’m confident I can meet all requirements.
Strategizing complete. I will now proceed with generating the response based on this plan.
The caste system remains a foundational, yet ever-evolving, aspect of Indian society, deeply intertwined with its culture, politics, and individual identities.
Understanding the Roots of Caste
Defining India’s diverse society often leads us to the caste system. Historically, this hierarchical system, originating in the Hindu social order, has demonstrated discriminatory workings across various communities in India.
Caste is characterized by features like endogamy, clear hierarchy, and occupational segregation. Early scholars, including G.S. Ghurye, highlighted additional traits like the segmental division of society and restrictions on social interactions.
These features largely operate on a purity-pollution binary, deeply influencing social dynamics and individual lives.
Sanskritisation: A Path to Mobility?
For a long time, the caste system was considered rigid, with no upward mobility. However, M.N. Srinivas challenged this in 1952 with his concept of “Sanskritisation.”
Sanskritisation describes a process where lower castes seek to improve their social standing by adopting the rituals and practices of higher, ritually superior castes. This idea was crucial, as it showcased a “field-view” of caste, revealing its adaptability on the ground, unlike the simplistic “book-view” of the traditional varna system.
Many intermediate castes, like the Ahirs and Kurmis, and even tribal groups in close contact with caste society, have undergone Sanskritisation. This process often sparked new economic aspirations, leading individuals to move away from traditionally “unclean occupations.”
Caste and the Political Landscape
Upon India’s independence, some believed democracy would diminish caste’s influence. Yet, Srinivas foresaw its continued relevance, introducing the concept of the “dominant caste.” This refers to a caste group with significant numerical strength and control over cultivable land, wielding substantial political power.
Eminent political scientist Rajni Kothari argued against separating caste (tradition) from politics (modernity). In his work, he explored how caste becomes politicized, leading to new forms of integration and a consciousness based on rights and constitutional claims.
Later scholars, like Satish Deshpande, have critically questioned the “hyper-visibility” of lower-caste politics versus the “near invisibility” of upper-caste politics, suggesting that the “castelessness” of upper castes warrants closer examination.
The Evolution of Caste Identity
The changing dynamics of caste have also reshaped identity. Sociologist Dipankar Gupta argues that today, caste identity often takes precedence over traditional hierarchy.
He suggests that the all-encompassing hierarchy based on purity and pollution no longer fully defines the system. Instead, various caste groups have become more assertive, expressing their own claims of dominance and superiority.
This shift emphasizes understanding castes as discrete identities, influenced by new economic aspirations and political alliances like caste associations and political groups.
Caste’s Enduring Presence
Many scholars once believed that modern education, democracy, and constitutional reforms would lead to the disappearance of caste. However, caste has proven remarkably adaptable, evolving with societal and political changes.
A.M. Shah noted that the goal of a casteless society in India has become a “mirage.” Andre Beteille also acknowledged caste’s “peculiar tenacity,” but pointed to some “cracks” in the system. These include less rigid purity-pollution rules, fewer marriages strictly regulated by caste, and the emergence of caste-free occupations.
Despite these observations, the grim realities of caste-based violence, manual scavenging, honor killings, and the continued existence of untouchability, as documented in recent studies, underscore that deep-seated discrimination persists.
- The caste system is defined by endogamy, hierarchy, and occupational segregation, often operating on a purity-pollution binary.
- Sanskritisation is a process where lower castes adopt practices of higher castes to achieve upward social mobility.
- Caste plays a significant role in politics, with dominant castes wielding influence and caste consciousness shifting towards rights-based claims.
- Modern understanding of caste emphasizes identity over traditional hierarchy, with groups asserting distinct claims.
- Despite modernization, caste endures, adapting to new contexts, though deeply rooted discrimination and violence persist.
The study of caste continues to highlight its complex, adaptive nature and its profound impact on the fabric of Indian society.
7. **Length between 300-600 words:** I will monitor the word count during the rewrite to ensure it falls within this range.
8. **Don’t include:**
* Title of the article or any h1 tag: Confirmed.
* Emojis: Confirmed.
* Asterisks or any markdown formatting: Confirmed, will use HTML list tags.
**Content Strategy:**
* **Introduction:** Briefly define caste and its evolution.
* **Understanding Caste:** Detail its core features (endogamy, hierarchy, purity-pollution).
* **Sanskritisation:** Explain Srinivas’s concept, its impact on social mobility, and examples.
* **Caste and Politics:** Discuss Srinivas’s ‘dominant caste,’ Kothari’s views on politicization, and modern perspectives on upper-caste “castelessness.”
* **Caste Identity:** Focus on Dipankar Gupta’s idea of identity triumphing over hierarchy and the shift to discrete identities.
* **Making Sense of Persistence:** Address why caste endures, contrasting optimistic views (Beteille’s “cracks”) with grim realities (violence, untouchability).
* **Key Takeaways:** Summarize the main theoretical contributions and the ongoing relevance of caste.
I will ensure to remove all extraneous information from the original article, such as ads, author details, post-read questions, and promotional links/YouTube embeds.
Confidence Score: 5/5 – I’m confident I can meet all requirements.
Strategizing complete. I will now proceed with generating the response based on this plan.
The caste system remains a foundational, yet ever-evolving, aspect of Indian society, deeply intertwined with its culture, politics, and individual identities.
Understanding the Roots of Caste
Defining India’s diverse society often leads us to the caste system. Historically, this hierarchical system, originating in the Hindu social order, has demonstrated discriminatory workings across various communities in India.
Caste is characterized by features like endogamy, clear hierarchy, and occupational segregation. Early scholars, including G.S. Ghurye, highlighted additional traits like the segmental division of society and restrictions on social interactions.
These features largely operate on a purity-pollution binary, deeply influencing social dynamics and individual lives.
Sanskritisation: A Path to Mobility?
For a long time, the caste system was considered rigid, with no upward mobility. However, M.N. Srinivas challenged this in 1952 with his concept of “Sanskritisation.”
Sanskritisation describes a process where lower castes seek to improve their social standing by adopting the rituals and practices of higher, ritually superior castes. This idea was crucial, as it showcased a “field-view” of caste, revealing its adaptability on the ground, unlike the simplistic “book-view” of the traditional varna system.
Many intermediate castes, like the Ahirs and Kurmis, and even tribal groups in close contact with caste society, have undergone Sanskritisation. This process often sparked new economic aspirations, leading individuals to move away from traditionally “unclean occupations.”
Caste and the Political Landscape
Upon India’s independence, some believed democracy would diminish caste’s influence. Yet, Srinivas foresaw its continued relevance, introducing the concept of the “dominant caste.” This refers to a caste group with significant numerical strength and control over cultivable land, wielding substantial political power.
Eminent political scientist Rajni Kothari argued against separating caste (tradition) from politics (modernity). In his work, he explored how caste becomes politicized, leading to new forms of integration and a consciousness based on rights and constitutional claims.
Later scholars, like Satish Deshpande, have critically questioned the “hyper-visibility” of lower-caste politics versus the “near invisibility” of upper-caste politics, suggesting that the “castelessness” of upper castes warrants closer examination.
The Evolution of Caste Identity
The changing dynamics of caste have also reshaped identity. Sociologist Dipankar Gupta argues that today, caste identity often takes precedence over traditional hierarchy.
He suggests that the all-encompassing hierarchy based on purity and pollution no longer fully defines the system. Instead, various caste groups have become more assertive, expressing their own claims of dominance and superiority.
This shift emphasizes understanding castes as discrete identities, influenced by new economic aspirations and political alliances like caste associations and political groups.
Caste’s Enduring Presence
Many scholars once believed that modern education, democracy, and constitutional reforms would lead to the disappearance of caste. However, caste has proven remarkably adaptable, evolving with societal and political changes.
A.M. Shah noted that the goal of a casteless society in India has become a “mirage.” Andre Beteille also acknowledged caste’s “peculiar tenacity,” but pointed to some “cracks” in the system. These include less rigid purity-pollution rules, fewer marriages strictly regulated by caste, and the emergence of caste-free occupations.
Despite these observations, the grim realities of caste-based violence, manual scavenging, honor killings, and the continued existence of untouchability, as documented in recent studies, underscore that deep-seated discrimination persists.
- The caste system is defined by endogamy, hierarchy, and occupational segregation, often operating on a purity-pollution binary.
- Sanskritisation is a process where lower castes adopt practices of higher castes to achieve upward social mobility.
- Caste plays a significant role in politics, with dominant castes wielding influence and caste consciousness shifting towards rights-based claims.
- Modern understanding of caste emphasizes identity over traditional hierarchy, with groups asserting distinct claims.
- Despite modernization, caste endures, adapting to new contexts, though deeply rooted discrimination and violence persist.
The study of caste continues to highlight its complex, adaptive nature and its profound impact on the fabric of Indian society.
