Practice Question : What is Caste Politics ? Substantiate your answer with examples of how identities are defined by caste dynamics. (20 Marks) (2019 Socio Paper 2)
Approach : Introduction; Describe caste ridden politics with examples; Outline how caste relates to people as an identity; give examples for caste dynamics; Conclusion.
Approach : Introduction; Describe caste ridden politics with examples; Outline how caste relates to people as an identity; give examples for caste dynamics; Conclusion.
INTRODUCTION
Indian democracy being the largest in the world, has survived from the major challenges posed by widespread illiteracy, poverty, secessionism and communalism with several problems that have felled the fledgling democratic institutions of so many post-colonial societies and since Indian society has being highly segmented along the lines of castes, religion, class etc, it eventually prevents the true working of Parliamentary democracy and puts a glaring feature of Indian politics which is largely shaped by the cultural diversity, social, ethnic, caste, community and religious pluralism, known tradition of the countrywide movement with a unique contrasting approach of party supervision and grappling ideological outlook.
CASTE
The caste system is a predominant aspect of the social and political structure in India. Caste is the most ancient feature of Indian social system and it is a major factor in the structures and functions of the Indian political system. The word ‘caste’ is derived from the Spanish word ‘caste’ which means race. People born in particular race have their separate caste. It defines all social, economic and political relationships for the individual. Caste is a notable foundation of social stratification in India. Indian politics is caste-ridden politics. Caste determines the nature, organization, and working of political parties, interest groups, and all political structures and their functions. Indian society has been highly segmented along the lines of castes, religion, class, etc.
Indian democracy being the largest in the world, has survived from the major challenges posed by widespread illiteracy, poverty, secessionism and communalism with several problems that have felled the fledgling democratic institutions of so many post-colonial societies and since Indian society has being highly segmented along the lines of castes, religion, class etc, it eventually prevents the true working of Parliamentary democracy and puts a glaring feature of Indian politics which is largely shaped by the cultural diversity, social, ethnic, caste, community and religious pluralism, known tradition of the countrywide movement with a unique contrasting approach of party supervision and grappling ideological outlook.
CASTE
The caste system is a predominant aspect of the social and political structure in India. Caste is the most ancient feature of Indian social system and it is a major factor in the structures and functions of the Indian political system. The word ‘caste’ is derived from the Spanish word ‘caste’ which means race. People born in particular race have their separate caste. It defines all social, economic and political relationships for the individual. Caste is a notable foundation of social stratification in India. Indian politics is caste-ridden politics. Caste determines the nature, organization, and working of political parties, interest groups, and all political structures and their functions. Indian society has been highly segmented along the lines of castes, religion, class, etc.
ROLE OF CASTE IN INDIAN POLITICS
Caste factor in political socialization and leadership recruitment:
Different caste groups their loyalties behind political parties and their ideologies. Right from his birth an Indian citizen inherits a caste and grows up as a member of particular caste group. He belongs either to one of the high castes or to scheduled castes. In the process of picking up his political orientations, attitudes, and beliefs, he naturally comes under the influence of caste groups and casteism. Caste values and caste interests influence their socialization.
Caste based political parties:
Caste factor is a component of the Indian party system. In India, there are so many caste-based political parties which try to promote and protect the interest of a particular caste. The regional political parties, in particular, stand predominantly influenced by the caste factor. DMK and AIADMK are non-Brahmin and non-Brahmin political parties from Tamil Nadu. In Punjab, Akali Dal has a community identity. It stands influenced by the issue of jats vs. non-jats.
Caste based pressure groups:
There are so many caste based pressure groups in India which try to promote and protect the interest of particular caste and for this purpose they keep putting pressure on governments the pressure groups like scheduled caste federation, Arya Samaj Sabha, Sanatan Dharam Sabha etc, are such pressure groups.
Caste and nomination of candidates:
The caste factor is an important determinant of electoral politics in India. While nominating their candidates from different constituencies the political parties keep in mind the cast of candidate and cast of the voters in that particular constituency.
Caste as divisive and cohesive force in Indian Politics:
Caste acts as a dividing and cohesive force in Indian politics It provides a basis for the emergence of several interest groups in the Indian Political System each of which competes with all other groups in the struggle for power. At times it leads to an unhealthy struggle for power and acts as a divisive force however, it is a source of unity among the members of groups and acts as a cohesive force.
Caste factor and local governments:
The role of caste in the working of Panchayati Raj and other institutions of local self-government has been recognized reality. Caste-based factionalism in rural areas of India has been the most major hindering factor in the organization and effective working of Panchayati Raj. In the rural Indian context, the caste was a mobilization of the communicationchannel, representation, and leadership and a link between the electoral process and the political process.
Caste violence:
Caste-based violence often finds its way into politics. The traditional differences between higher and lower castes become vigorous and have turned into a violent and fierce struggle for power in society. The growing terrorization of the lower castes by the higher or even intermediary castes has been becoming a part of rural India’s political reality. In states like Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat and U.P caste violence has raised its head even in some urban areas.
MEASURES TO ALLEVIATE CASTE POLITICS
1. The basis of the reservation should be economic not caste so that all the poor section of society are benefitted to it.
2. Media should play a neutral role.
3. Caste-based violence must be eliminated through well-organized efforts.
4. The recognition of caste-based political parties should be withdrawn.
5. The politician should rise above the politics of caste.
6. The education system should be remodeled on secular lines.
7. All schools must encourage community living by organizing community meals and all
students should be included in it.
8. School textbooks should be carefully revised. The study material should teach the
students that the caste system is made by man.
9. By promoting Inter-caste Marriage and by providing special offers for people whom do
inter-caste marriage can bring changes in the next generation people.
CONCLUSION
Caste is an important component of the social system in India has made its special place in the Indian political system at various levels. Casteism is the biggest challenge for Indian democracy. Democracy and Casteism are opposed to each other. India has adopted the liberal democratic system, which is mainly based on equality, freedom,
and justice. Caste stands for inequality based on birth.
A great, vibrant and constructive role should be played by the civil society along with the every section of the society because this task is the collective responsibility of all citizens, politicians, educationists, teachers, students, intellectuals, businessmen and trade union leaders not of one section of the society. Proper decentralization must be materialized through the Panchayati Raj System to readdress the grievances of all the communities and regions of India. Good and positive attitude of one community to another is essential to establish religious and communal harmony and thus to intact national unity and integrity.
1. The basis of the reservation should be economic not caste so that all the poor section of society are benefitted to it.
2. Media should play a neutral role.
3. Caste-based violence must be eliminated through well-organized efforts.
4. The recognition of caste-based political parties should be withdrawn.
5. The politician should rise above the politics of caste.
6. The education system should be remodeled on secular lines.
7. All schools must encourage community living by organizing community meals and all
students should be included in it.
8. School textbooks should be carefully revised. The study material should teach the
students that the caste system is made by man.
9. By promoting Inter-caste Marriage and by providing special offers for people whom do
inter-caste marriage can bring changes in the next generation people.
CONCLUSION
Caste is an important component of the social system in India has made its special place in the Indian political system at various levels. Casteism is the biggest challenge for Indian democracy. Democracy and Casteism are opposed to each other. India has adopted the liberal democratic system, which is mainly based on equality, freedom,
and justice. Caste stands for inequality based on birth.
A great, vibrant and constructive role should be played by the civil society along with the every section of the society because this task is the collective responsibility of all citizens, politicians, educationists, teachers, students, intellectuals, businessmen and trade union leaders not of one section of the society. Proper decentralization must be materialized through the Panchayati Raj System to readdress the grievances of all the communities and regions of India. Good and positive attitude of one community to another is essential to establish religious and communal harmony and thus to intact national unity and integrity.
