Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 259 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
The above quote is ascribed to sociologist MN srinivas; who highlights the changing notion of institution of caste.
traditional -> Purity & pollution Rigid hierarchy -> Exclusion from public spaces of caste -> Ascriptive backwardness
Body · points
caste group mobilization and Identity Assertion
(1) Dalit literature (initiatives like 'kudi Arasu' by periyar)
(2) Politicization of caste
2.1 Politics has led to rise of non apologetic Dalit leaders (mayawati, etc).
2.2 Rise of caste based Political parties Ex: RJD, etc.
2.3 Publication of needs of Dalits
(3) casteization of politics 3.1 demand for caste surveys and increased reservation 3.2 Dalit manifesto, etc 3.3 OBC Reservation demand by Dominant castes.
(4) Rise of civil society orgs based on caste (Ex: BHIMsena)
(5) popular movements to raise demands. Ex: Dalit Panthers inspired from USA
(6) Attempts to forge collective identity and demands presentation. Ex: All India SC federation (by Dr. Ambedkar)
Economic change and impact on caste Identity
(1) Institutions like DICCI to promote Dalit Capitalism.
(2) In urban areas; caste based employment opportunities to uplift members of their society (Ex:)
(3) Due to Affirmative Action; there is now 'horizontal competition' for backwardness. (Ex: Patel Andolan, GJ)
(4) Celebration of Dalit Achievers in Era of modernity and urbanism (Ex: Hon'ble CJI and President of India)
(5) Due to resource scarcity and Inequality in post Liberal Economy need to assert caste demands backed by Reports like caste surveys, etc.
Close · a summary
Thus, as per MN Srinivas, what was once a demarker of shame and backwardness; is not a 'Badge for depicting class and caste identity'.
3 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.