Why this matters now
Caste is central to GS-1 (social structure) and GS-2 (social justice). UPSC asks about its features, the changes underway, and caste in politics. It connects to reservation and vulnerable-section policy.
Varna and Jati
Classical texts describe four varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra), with “untouchables” placed outside. In lived reality, society is organised into thousands of jatis (sub-castes) — endogamous groups linked to occupation and region. Varna is the broad theoretical scheme; jati is the actual unit of social life.
Features of the caste system
Traditional caste was marked by: a hierarchy of ranked groups; endogamy (marriage within the caste); hereditary occupation; restrictions on food, contact and social interaction; and notions of purity and pollution that underpinned untouchability.
Changes in the caste system
Modern forces have transformed caste: urbanisation and industrialisation loosened occupational and contact rules; modern education and the Constitution (abolition of untouchability, equality, reservation) attacked its hierarchy; and Sanskritisation (lower castes adopting upper-caste practices to raise status) showed mobility. Yet caste persists in new forms — caste in politics, identity assertion and matrimony — and casteism and discrimination remain.
Caste in politics
Far from disappearing, caste has been politicised — as a basis for mobilisation, vote-banks and the assertion of dignity by historically oppressed groups. This “politicisation of caste” has both empowered marginalised communities and, at times, deepened divisions.
UPSC angle
Distinguish varna (theory) from jati (reality), list the features (hierarchy, endogamy, hereditary occupation, purity-pollution), and discuss changes (Sanskritisation, urbanisation, politicisation).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between varna and jati?
Varna is the broad four-fold theoretical classification; jati refers to the thousands of endogamous sub-castes that form the actual units of social life.
What are the main features of the caste system?
Hierarchy, endogamy, hereditary occupation, restrictions on interaction, and notions of purity and pollution.
What is Sanskritisation?
A process (described by M.N. Srinivas) in which lower castes adopt the customs and rituals of higher castes to raise their social status.
Is the caste system disappearing?
Its rigidity has weakened with urbanisation, education and law, but caste persists in new forms — in politics, identity and marriage.