Introduction on Caste and Politics Caste and politics in India are deeply interlinked phenomena that have shaped the country’s democratic processes, electoral outcomes, and patterns of governance. While caste is a traditional system of social stratification rooted in hierarchy, politics in a democracy seeks to represent people through equality and participation. At first glance, these … Read more
Introduction on Caste and Political Elite The relationship between caste and political elite in India remains one of the most defining aspects of the country’s democratic and sociological landscape. Caste, a historically entrenched system of social stratification, has not only influenced individual identity and community life but has also shaped political representation, power distribution, and … Read more
The caste system in India has long been perceived by both observers and its subjects as a rigid, hierarchical, and immutable structure. The varna model—dividing society into the fourfold hierarchy of Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (servants), with the Dalits (untouchables) existing outside its pale—presents an image of eternal, divinely ordained social … Read more
Introduction on Sociology of Caste in South Asia The sociology of caste is one of the most enduring and complex social structures in South Asia, shaping the socio-political and economic lives of millions of people across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures but extending beyond religious boundaries, caste operates … Read more
Introduction The caste system is one of the world’s oldest and most severe forms of social stratification, with profound roots in Indian history and culture. It has played a significant role in shaping social relations, economic opportunities, and political power dynamics. From a sociological perspective, the caste system is not merely a hierarchical arrangement of … Read more