India’s caste system: what you need to know

Summary

Tannistha Sinha discusses the enduring presence of the caste system in India, focusing on its hierarchical structure and the ongoing discrimination faced by Dalits, who are often relegated to dangerous, menial jobs. Despite claims of its decline, the caste system continues to govern social dynamics, including marriage, jobs, and education. Sinha highlights Prime Minister Modi’s rhetoric on poverty, critiques its oversimplification, and draws attention to rising violence against Dalit women. Despite systemic oppression, Dalit activists, like Cynthia Stephen and Kiruba Munusamy, are working toward equality and justice for their community.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Indian caste system is an ancient social hierarchy that significantly impacts marriage, diet, and social roles.
• 📚 Hinduism's karma and dharma divide people into castes, with Brahmins traditionally being the most educated and at the top.
• 🔍 The Dalit community, once labeled 'untouchables', is at the bottom of the caste system and faces severe oppression.
• 👥 There are thousands of sub-castes, with Kshatriyas, Varishyas, and Shudras situated between Brahmins and Dalits.
• 🚮 Dalits are often relegated to dangerous and menial jobs, such as manual scavenging and working in tanneries without protection.
• 📰 Despite claims of the caste system's decline, ongoing news reports show systemic oppression against Dalits continues.
• 🌐 Prime Minister Modi's statement about only two castes in India overlooks historical discrimination faced by Dalits.
• 📈 There's been a 160% increase in reported rapes against Dalit women from 2009 to 2019, indicating a rise in sexual violence.
• 💢 An atmosphere of impunity exists in India, with upper-caste individuals often escaping punishment for caste-based violence.
• 🔄 The conviction rate for rapes of Dalits was a mere 32% in 2019, highlighting the struggle for justice.
• 💪 Despite barriers, the Dalit community persists in advocating for equality, as shown by the works of Cynthia Stephen and Kiruba Munusamy.

Q & A

What is the caste system in India based on?

The caste system in India is based on social stratification, dividing people into groups according to their karma (work) and dharma (duty).

Which group is at the top of the Indian caste hierarchy?

The Brahmins are at the top of the Indian caste hierarchy and have historically been the most educated caste, serving as teachers and intellectuals.

Who are the Dalits, and where do they stand in the caste hierarchy?

The Dalits, also known as 'untouchables,' are at the bottom of the caste system and are one of the most oppressed communities in India. They fall outside the traditional Hindu caste hierarchy.

What kind of jobs are Dalits typically forced to do?

Dalits are often forced to do menial and dangerous jobs such as manual scavenging, disposing of dead animals, and cleaning sewers. These jobs often come with serious health risks.

Is the caste system still prevalent in India today?

Yes, despite some arguments that the caste system is no longer prevalent, systemic oppression against Dalits continues, and they are often denied their constitutional rights.

What stance did Prime Minister Narendra Modi take on the caste system after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections?

After the 2019 elections, Narendra Modi stated that there are only two castes in India: the poor and those working to free them from poverty. However, he did not address the historical discrimination faced by the Dalit community.

How has the Modi government's narrative affected the Dalit community?

Modi's narrative has set the tone for his party workers to continue oppressing Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by creating a vague narrative that avoids addressing centuries of Dalit oppression.

What has been the trend in sexual violence against Dalit women?

Sexual violence against Dalit women has risen, with an increase of 160 percent in reported rapes between 2009 and 2019. Upper-caste perpetrators often go unpunished.

What was the conviction rate for rapes of Dalit women in 2019?

In 2019, the conviction rate for rapes of Dalit women was only 32 percent, highlighting the impunity that exists regarding caste- and gender-based violence.

How is the Dalit community advocating for equality today?

Despite overwhelming barriers, the Dalit community continues to advocate for equality, with activists like Cynthia Stephen and Kiruba Munusamy working to change the narrative of caste oppression in India.