Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 175 words written
Secularization of caste is essentially a modern phenomenon. Discuss.
Opening · a definition
Secularization, in general parlance, refers to reducing hold of religion in human activities.
Body · continuous prose
In the context of caste, secularization is understood as a process whereby this institution is breaking itself away from shackles of ritual and religion.
Initially, caste developed as an institution hand in glove with religion. Infact, eminent sociologists, more specifically Indologists, trace the origin of caste from scriptures.
The 'Purushukta' theory found in Smritis stands as an example to it.
But it is evolving into a secular institution with modernization, religious beliefs are being replaced by rationality.
Caste, in modern times, is acting as a pressure group making its voice heard. Jat Agitation, Patidar & Gujjar Agitation clearly reflect caste organisations with political interests.
Castes no longer limit themselves to ritual performance, occupational identification and religion; rather it has emerged as a group mobilizing masses. Rise of caste group based political parties, especially in UP, is a clear reflection.
Close · a summary
Thus, from the shackles of religion, caste has now expressed itself as a political, economic and social interest group in wake of modernisation.