By Matija Šerić
The caste system somewhat resembles medieval feudal Europe, where society was divided into classes: peasants, nobles, clergy, and rulers. However, that division was primarily political rather than religious and eventually collapsed with industrialization and urbanization. This has not been the case in India. Castes must remain separate. Most importantly, inter-caste marriages are strictly prohibited to prevent the mixing of bloodlines and the birth of children whose parents come from different castes. In 21st-century India, this means that neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, factories, cafes, and restaurants are segregated, with minimal interaction between members of different castes.
Strict Caste Separation
This rigid social division is maintained across generations, and any attempt to break caste rules can lead to serious consequences, such as social ostracization or violence. While caste barriers are somewhat weaker in urban areas, they remain strong and strictly enforced in rural regions. Many parents actively ensure their children marry within their caste, often relying on intermediaries or caste networks to find suitable partners. Those who attempt to defy caste norms frequently face pressure to “return to their place” in society.
Biological Differences
Due to the strict separation regime that has persisted for millennia, different castes have developed distinct biological differences, such as skin color. A 2016 genetic study by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad found that class structure has a “strong impact on skin pigmentation,” with higher castes generally having lighter skin. This difference in skin tone has reinforced social prejudices, as lighter skin is often associated with higher social status and beauty in many parts of India. As a result, there is still a thriving industry for skin-whitening products, and fair skin is often preferred in marriage, business, and social standing.
The Untouchables of India: The Millions Without Hope
Castes – An Indispensable Part of India
The caste system is one of India’s defining characteristics. The father of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, belonged to the Vaishya caste (merchants and artisans) and the Modh Bania subcaste. He once stated: “I believe that Hindu society has survived because it is founded on the caste system… The destruction of the caste system and the adoption of the Western European system would mean that Hindus must renounce the principle of hereditary occupation, which is the essence of the caste system. The hereditary principle is eternal. Changing it would create chaos.”
However, Gandhi later radically changed his rhetoric, fiercely criticizing caste discrimination and advocating for the rights of Dalits, whom he called Harijans (“Children of God”). He believed that all people are equal before God and fought against the injustices stemming from the caste system. Nonetheless, he continued to defend the idea of varna – social classes. He argued that everyone has a hereditary calling they should follow but rejected the notion of class superiority.
Positive Changes
Since India is a secular rather than a theocratic Hindu state, formal discrimination based on caste is legally prohibited. However, because the government is often led by higher-caste individuals, laws are frequently not enforced at the local level. Although Brahmins make up at most 5% of the population, they hold influential positions in government, the military, the judiciary, education, healthcare, and the media. Many politicians lack the motivation to enforce anti-discrimination laws, as doing so could cost them the votes of higher castes.
Nonetheless, in recent decades, there have been improvements, with Dalits and other marginalized groups gaining more protection and opportunities for social advancement. Some lower-caste individuals have reached high-ranking positions in government.
For example, K. R. Narayanan, the tenth President of India (1997–2002), was a Dalit. He became the first Indian president from the Dalit community, symbolizing progress in the fight against caste discrimination. The current Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also comes from a historically marginalized lower-caste group. Specifically, he belongs to the Teli caste, traditionally associated with the oil trade. Although not from a high caste like the Brahmins or Kshatriyas, Modi rose to the top of Indian politics, emphasizing his humble origins to appeal to the masses. However, the success of lower-caste individuals has provoked resentment among the upper castes, leading to an increase in violence against Dalits in recent years.
A Persistent Problem
In the 21st century, India is one of the most important countries in the global community. It is the world’s largest democracy, the most populous country, a BRICS member, the fifth-largest economy, and a nuclear power. India is a dynamic and youthful country that has fully embraced sophisticated technologies. However, numerous problems hinder its progress. Aside from poverty, the caste system may be its most significant issue.
Despite modernization and legal bans on discrimination, caste remains a powerful force shaping social, economic, and cultural processes. According to some analyses, dismantling the caste system could take several more decades.
