Casteism: A Deep-Rooted Reality
Casteism is deeply rooted in India and manifests under different names across the world. Wherever humans exist, so does discrimination, it’s an unfortunate fact of life. From the dawn of civilization, inequality has been a constant companion, taking various forms, including caste-based discrimination. Even in the animal kingdom, hierarchies exist. For instance, in a group of tigers, a dominant one often controls the territory.
Historically, human societies were organized into clans, each with its own leader and hierarchy. In ancient India, the caste system, known as ‘Varna,’ categorized people based on their occupations. Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and service providers).
In India, caste distinctions evolved through occupational roles. Specific jobs were traditionally performed by particular groups, and over generations, these roles became hereditary. The societal value and importance of a product or service were often linked to the caste of those who produced it. For example, Brahmins were associated with religious duties, Kshatriyas with warfare, Vaishyas with trade, and Shudras with service-oriented tasks.
With the advent of democracy, openly identifying someone by their caste became socially unacceptable. However, instead of dismantling the caste system, it was repurposed for political gains, turning castes into vote banks. Today, while the job market is open to all, caste-based reservations have led to scenarios where individuals secure positions not solely based on merit but also on caste affiliations. The government maintains a paradoxical stance, caste identification is discouraged in general but is essential for accessing certain privileges and for political motives.
Traditionally, surnames in India often indicated one’s profession. Names like ‘Mithaiwala’ (sweet maker), ‘Chathaiwala’ (mat maker), and ‘Patel’ (village headman) are examples where the surname reflects the ancestral occupation. This system ensured a continuity of skills and services across generations. However, as societal perceptions shifted, certain jobs were deemed inferior, leading younger generations to abandon traditional occupations in favour of white-collar jobs. This transition disrupted the transmission of specialized skills, resulting in a workforce where versatility is common, but deep expertise is rare.
Interestingly, caste distinctions persist across religions in India, indicating that the issue is deeply cultural rather than purely religious. While the caste system cannot be entirely eradicated, the occupational structures that once provided economic stability have been dismantled, leading to significant social consequences.
Here, I do not advocate for the caste system or caste-based occupations. Rather, highlights the consequences of dismantling a traditional job structure without a viable replacement. The loss of hereditary professions has increased dependence on volatile job markets and disturbed economic self-sufficiency.
Discrimination, in various forms, has always existed and will likely persist. The challenge lies in creating an equitable society that acknowledges past structures while building inclusive systems for the future.