Day 36 – Q. 1. “The destiny of India is not caste in stone.” In light of this statement, examine the evolving nature of caste in contemporary India. (150 words, 10  marks)

  • IASbaba
  • July 13, 2025
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Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Q. 1. “The destiny of India is not caste in stone.” In light of this statement, examine the evolving nature of caste in contemporary India. (150 words, 10  marks)


Introduction 

The caste system is a hereditary, hierarchical, and ascriptive social system dividing people by  birth. With over 3,000 castes in India, its influence is deep, but today, it is changing, showing  that India’s destiny is not fixed by caste. 

Body

Destiny of India is not Caste in Stone 

  1. Political Empowerment: Marginalised  castes are gaining political power  through reservations and elections. Example: Leaders like Mayawati and  parties like BSP have come to power  with Dalit support.
  1. Legal Safeguards: Laws have been  made to protect lower castes from  discrimination and violence. Example: The SC/ST (Prevention of  Atrocities) Act was used in the 2016  Una flogging case. 
  1. Economic Mobility: Many people from  lower castes are now getting better  jobs and starting businesses. Example: Kalpana Saroj, a Dalit  woman, became a successful business leader.
  1. Urbanisation: In cities, caste matters less because people focus more on skills and work. Example: In IT companies, teams work together without asking about caste.
  2. Youth and Inter-caste Marriages: Young people today are more open to marrying  outside their caste. Example: In the Hadiya case (2018), the Supreme Court supported inter-caste marriage.

Some Elements of Caste Continue even today 

Caste is changing in many ways, but some old habits and problems still exist, especially in  villages and social life. 

  1. Social Discrimination: People still face caste-based insults and untouchability in rural  areas. Example: The 2023 NCRB report shows many cases of violence against Dalits.
  2. Caste-based Politics: Many parties still use caste to get votes during elections. Example: In Bihar, caste census and caste-based promises are common during campaigns.
  3. Marriage Norms: Most people still marry within their own caste due to family and society  pressure. Example: According to the 2011 Census, only about 6 percent of marriages are inter caste.
  4. Economic Inequality: Lower castes still own less land and have fewer financial resources. Example: NSSO data shows Dalits have less agricultural land compared to upper castes. 

Conclusion

Caste in India is mostly changing with better laws, awareness, and progress, but some old  practices still remain. As Deepankar Gupta said, “Caste is not a thing of the past, but it need  not be our future.”

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