1. CASTES AND MODERN INDIA

2. FOUR CASTES (AND OUTCASTS) WHO WAS WHO? Brahmans Brahmans Kshatriyas Kshatriyas Vaisyas Vaisyas Sudras Sudras Dalit Dalit

3. CASTES IN MODERN INDIA In India’s Constitution, everyone is considered equal regardless of caste In India’s Constitution, everyone is considered equal regardless of caste In reality, caste persists in several important ways: Socially and politically In reality, caste persists in several important ways: Socially and politically

4. SOCIAL “Sanskritization” – Members of lower castes now imitate upper castes in their dress and lifestyles, but names are often a giveaway. “Sanskritization” – Members of lower castes now imitate upper castes in their dress and lifestyles, but names are often a giveaway. Social networks formed over centuries mean people often socialize and marry within their caste. Social networks formed over centuries mean people often socialize and marry within their caste.

5. LEGAL Half of government jobs are reserved for “scheduled castes” or “backward classes”: Half of government jobs are reserved for “scheduled castes” or “backward classes”: 10% to Adivasis or tribal members 10% to Adivasis or tribal members 12.5% to Dalits or Untouchables 12.5% to Dalits or Untouchables 27% to “other Backward Classes” 27% to “other Backward Classes” In some states, quotas are higher In some states, quotas are higher World’s biggest affirmative action program World’s biggest affirmative action program Resentment from upper caste members who have rioted when the quotas are increased. Resentment from upper caste members who have rioted when the quotas are increased.

6. POLITICAL Numerous small political parties organized around castes. Numerous small political parties organized around castes. If they can deliver the vote, they can help put together a ruling coalition in Parliament with larger parties If they can deliver the vote, they can help put together a ruling coalition in Parliament with larger parties Politicians from these parties appeal narrowly to members of their own castes Politicians from these parties appeal narrowly to members of their own castes “In India, people don’t cast their votes, they vote their caste.” “In India, people don’t cast their votes, they vote their caste.”