Casteism can only be strengthened, not eliminated!
- Madhukar Dama
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Casteism, refers to the adherence to or prejudice based on the caste system, a traditional social hierarchy prevalent in India.
It involves discrimination, favoritism, or segregation of individuals and groups according to their caste, which is typically determined by birth and historically linked to occupation, social status, and ritual purity.
Casteism manifests as a belief in the superiority or inferiority of certain castes, often leading to unequal treatment in social, economic, political, or cultural contexts.
It can perpetuate exclusion, stereotypes, and systemic inequalities, rooted in the ancient varna system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) and its thousands of sub-castes (jatis).
In practice, casteism influences marriage, employment, education, and even daily interactions, often clashing with modern ideals of equality despite legal prohibitions in India, such as those under Article 15 of the Constitution. While tied to Hinduism historically, its effects spill across religions and regions in India, evolving with time yet retaining its core divisive nature.
ELIMINATION OF CASTEISM IN INDIA?
1. Like any educated person in India, I had hoped that everyone, including the government, constitution, society and an individual is hoping for and working towards eliminating the caste system to bring about equality in society.
2. Eliminating the caste system in India could usher in a wave of social equality, breaking down barriers that have historically dictated access to education, jobs, and resources, allowing talent and merit to flourish irrespective of birth.
3. It would reduce discrimination and violence, such as honor killings and caste-based atrocities, fostering a more cohesive society where individuals are judged by character rather than lineage.
4. Economic growth could accelerate as untapped potential from marginalized groups enters the workforce fully, narrowing income gaps and boosting productivity.
5. Political unity might strengthen too, with vote-bank politics losing its caste-driven edge, paving the way for governance focused on broader national interests.
6. Social harmony would deepen as inter-caste marriages and friendships become commonplace, eroding rigid traditions and enriching cultural diversity.
7. Education systems could prioritize universal access over quota debates, while rural and urban divides might shrink with fairer resource distribution.
8. Ultimately, India could project a stronger global image as a modern, equitable democracy, unshackled from an ancient hierarchy.
HOWEVER, AS I GREW UP, I FOUND THAT CASTEISM IS EVERYWHERE, NOBODY IS MAKING ANY EFFORTS TO BREAKIT DOWN. INFACT, I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT EVERYONE IS WORKING HARD TO STRENGTHEN THE CASTEISM. I FOUND THAT EVERYONE FEELS THAT CASTEISM IS BENEFICIAL! IT WAS VERY PAINFUL TO REALISE THAT CASTEISM CAN NEVER BE ELIMINATED. THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IS JUST CREATING AN ILLUSORY REALITY OF EQUAL SOCIETY.
20 REASONS WHY CASTEISM CAN NEVER BE ELIMINATED IN INDIA
1. Deep Historical Roots: The caste system, dating back over 3,000 years to Vedic times, is embedded in India’s cultural and religious fabric, making it resistant to change.
2. Religious Sanction: Hindu scriptures like the Manusmriti and Rig Veda have historically justified caste hierarchy, lending it spiritual legitimacy.
3. Endogamy Practices: Strict norms of marrying within one’s caste reinforce social boundaries and perpetuate caste identity.
4. Economic Disparities: Caste often correlates with wealth and occupation, with lower castes historically marginalized, creating a self-sustaining cycle of inequality.
5. Political Exploitation: Politicians leverage caste identities to mobilize vote banks, entrenching caste divisions for electoral gain.
6. Social Identity: For many, caste provides a sense of belonging and community, making individuals reluctant to abandon it.
7. Rural Prevalence: In rural India, where over 60% of the population lives, caste dictates social interactions, land ownership, and power dynamics.
8. Resistance to Inter-Caste Marriage: Despite modernization, inter-caste marriages face strong familial and societal opposition, often leading to violence.
9. Caste-Based Occupations: Traditional roles (e.g., priests, laborers) persist in some regions, linking caste to livelihood.
10. Educational Gaps: Lower castes often lack access to quality education, perpetuating socio-economic divides tied to caste.
11. Affirmative Action Backlash: Reservation policies for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) create resentment among upper castes, deepening divisions.
12. Cultural Norms: Everyday practices—such as dining, temple entry, and greetings—are still influenced by caste in many areas.
13. Lack of Uniform Enforcement: Laws against caste discrimination (e.g., Article 17 of the Constitution) are inconsistently enforced, especially in remote regions.
14. Caste Pride: Many groups take pride in their caste heritage, viewing it as a source of honor rather than a problem to eliminate.
15. Urban Reinforcement: Even in cities, caste networks influence housing, jobs, and social circles, adapting rather than dissolving.
16. Global Diaspora: Indian communities abroad maintain caste distinctions, exporting the system beyond India’s borders.
17. Media Representation: Bollywood and regional cinema often glorify caste-based narratives, normalizing the system.
18. Fragmented Reform Efforts: Efforts to eradicate casteism are sporadic and lack a unified national movement.
19. Patriarchal Reinforcement: Caste intersects with gender norms, with women often bearing the burden of maintaining caste purity.
20. Psychological Inertia: Centuries of conditioning have ingrained caste-based thinking, making it a subconscious default for many.
20 PROOFS THAT SHOW CASTEISM GETTING STRONGER IN INDIA
1. Rise in Caste-Based Violence: Incidents like the 2023 Hathras gangrape and murder of a Dalit girl highlight ongoing caste atrocities.
2. Honor Killings: Increasing reports of violence against inter-caste couples, such as the 2021 Tamil Nadu murder of a Dalit man, show resistance to change.
3. Caste-Based Political Parties: Parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) thrive by rallying specific caste groups.
4. Reservation Protests: Violent agitations by upper castes (e.g., Jats in 2016, Patidars in 2015) for quota inclusion indicate caste consciousness cutting across classes.
5. Caste in Electoral Politics: The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw parties tailoring campaigns to caste demographics, reinforcing vote-bank politics.
6. Caste Census Demands: Growing calls for a nationwide caste census (e.g., by Bihar in 2023) reflect heightened caste awareness.
7. Social Media Amplification: Caste pride and conflicts are increasingly visible on platforms like X, with hashtags and groups promoting caste identity.
8. Caste-Based Housing Segregation: Urban gated communities and rural villages alike show persistent caste-based residential patterns.
9. Dalit Assertion Movements: Rising Dalit activism, like the Bhim Army, signals a reaction to entrenched caste oppression.
10. Judicial Cases: Supreme Court rulings, such as the 2024 review of creamy layer exclusions for SC/STs, keep caste debates alive.
11. Caste in Education: Reports of caste discrimination in schools and universities (e.g., IITs, 2022) show its persistence in modern institutions.
12. Economic Disparity Data: NSSO surveys (2021) reveal lower castes still dominate low-income brackets, linking caste to wealth gaps.
13. Caste-Based Riots: Clashes like the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence underline simmering caste tensions.
14. Matrimonial Preferences: Online platforms like Shaadi.com report over 90% of users seeking matches within their caste (2023 data).
15. Temple Entry Disputes: Incidents like the 2022 barring of Dalits from a Gujarat temple show caste dictating religious access.
16. Caste in Corporate India: Studies (e.g., 2021 Dalit Chamber of Commerce findings) suggest subtle caste bias in hiring and promotions.
17. Vigilante Groups: Cow protection and anti-Romeo squads often target lower-caste men, as seen in 2020 Uttar Pradesh cases.
18. Caste-Based Mobilization: Farmer protests (2020–2021) saw caste groups like Jats organizing separately, amplifying caste solidarity.
19. Media Sensationalism: News channels frequently frame crimes and politics through a caste lens, normalizing its relevance.
20. Youth Engagement: Younger generations, despite education, increasingly join caste associations (e.g., Rajput Karni Sena), suggesting a revival of caste identity.
These lists reflect the complexity of casteism in India, where historical inertia, modern adaptations, and socio-political dynamics intertwine. While some argue caste is weakening in urban or legal contexts, these points suggest it remains a potent force, evolving rather than disappearing.