Caste and Distortion

The recent conviction of Dera chief brought focus on one contentious issue- legitimization of the caste system across religions. Dera primarily draws most of its members from lower castes and the lower strata of society.  Some issues around caste are not given attention in India for last 70 years, hence the perpetuation of this social system despite constitutional guarantees of equal status.

Ambedkar proposed that one could not destroy caste unless one destroyed Hinduism. Caste exists among the Muslims (ashraf-Muslims of foreign lineage and ajlaf-local converts), Christians, Sikhs etc; although doctrinal Islam or Christianity does not approve such social classification. It will be good to discuss what sustains caste divisions among such communities in the absence of religious sanctions?

Role of British in solidifying many of the caste fault lines also needs to be examined. British divided Hindu population into Hindus, Animists and Dalits in the beginning of 20^th century. The idea was to create dissension and weaken rising Hindu nationalism during that period. The bias against higher castes was fueled due to their participation in 1857 war of Independence.

Initially Muslims tried to convert high caste people including Brahmins/Rajputs, which resulted in failure. This was mostly the case with business community. At last, lower caste people were targeted. They used the Sufi movement for this purpose.

Similarly Roman church accommodated caste divisions to propagate its faith. Pope Gregory XV published a bull sanctioning caste regulations in Christian churches in India. Converted Brahmins in Goa were even allowed to wear sacred thread and other caste markings.