The Evolution of the Caste System in India: Historical Roots, Social Hierarchies, and Socio-Economic Effects
Keywords:
Caste System, Social Stratification, Dalit Marginalization, Socio-Economic Inequality, Affirmative ActionAbstract
The caste system in India represents one of the most deeply entrenched forms of social stratification, evolving from the early Vedic period’s functional division of labour into a rigid, hereditary hierarchy that shaped the country’s socio-economic and cultural life. Rooted in religious texts and sustained by ritual practices, it institutionalized inequality, relegating marginalized communities to systemic exclusion from education, property, and dignified occupations, while simultaneously concentrating power and privilege within the upper castes. Over centuries, caste determined access to resources, social mobility, and political influence, perpetuating poverty and oppression among Dalits and other backward classes. Though colonial interventions and modern reforms introduced limited opportunities, the system persisted in new forms. Post-independence, constitutional measures abolished untouchability and initiated affirmative action, yet caste-based disparities endure in employment, politics, and social life. This study critically examines the evolution of caste and its continuing socio-economic effects on Indian society.
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