Chapter 4: Caste in Politics and Politicization of Caste
4.1 Meaning of Caste (Sociological and Political Understanding)
Caste is a historically embedded social institution in India characterized by hereditary membership, endogamy (marriage within the group), occupational specialization, and hierarchical ranking. Traditionally, caste was legitimized through religious texts and sustained through social norms and ritual purity concepts.
From a sociological perspective (M.N. Srinivas, Louis Dumont), caste is a system of stratification based on ritual hierarchy and social exclusion. Dumont emphasized hierarchy and purity-pollution as its core logic.
From a political science perspective, caste is not only a social institution but also a political identity resource used in elections, mobilization, and representation.
In modern India, caste operates simultaneously as:
- Social identity
- Political category
- Electoral constituency
- Welfare classification (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
4.2 Caste and Democracy: Transformation in Post-Colonial India
Democracy fundamentally altered caste relations in India. Before independence, caste was rigid and exclusionary. However, democratic institutions introduced:
- Universal adult franchise (one person, one vote)
- Electoral competition
- Equality before law
- Constitutional safeguards
This led to what Rajni Kothari called the โdemocratization of casteโ.
However, a reverse process also occurred:
๐ โCasteization of politicsโ โ where caste became central to political competition.
Thus, caste and democracy interact in a dialectical relationship:
- Democracy empowers lower castes
- Electoral politics reinforces caste identity
4.3 Politicization of Caste
Politicization of caste refers to the process by which caste identities are mobilized for political participation, representation, and electoral gains.
It involves three key dimensions:
(a) Electoral Dimension
Political parties select candidates based on caste composition of constituencies.
(b) Organizational Dimension
Caste associations transform into political pressure groups.
(c) Ideological Dimension
Caste becomes a framework for interpreting inequality and justice.
Politicization has both positive and negative outcomes:
- Positive: empowerment, representation
- Negative: fragmentation, vote-bank politics
4.4 Caste-based Mobilization in India
Caste mobilization refers to collective political action organized around caste identity.
Forms include:
- Formation of caste-based political parties (e.g., BSP)
- Social movements (Dalit movements, Backward Class movements)
- Electoral coalitions (e.g., Yadav-Muslim alliances in North India)
Mobilization is driven by:
- Historical inequality
- Reservation politics
- Competition for state resources
- Identity assertion
It has led to the rise of subaltern politics, where marginalized groups gain voice in democratic space.
4.5 Dominant Caste Theory (M.N. Srinivas)
M.N. Srinivas introduced the concept of โdominant casteโ to explain rural power structures.
A caste is considered dominant when it has:
- Numerical strength in a region
- Economic power (especially land ownership)
- Political influence
- Educational and administrative presence
Examples:
- Yadavs in UP and Bihar
- Jats in Haryana and Western UP
- Marathas in Maharashtra
- Vokkaligas and Lingayats in Karnataka
Dominant castes often control local institutions such as Panchayats, cooperatives, and informal power networks.
This theory explains how caste operates not only hierarchically but also regionally and politically.
4.6 Caste in Electoral Politics
Caste plays a decisive role in Indian elections, particularly at:
- Constituency level
- Candidate selection
- Party alliances
Key mechanisms:
(a) Voting Behavior
Voters often prefer candidates from their own caste group due to trust and identity affinity.
(b) Ticket Distribution
Political parties consider caste equations while selecting candidates.
(c) Coalition Politics
Parties build alliances between caste groups to maximize vote share.
(d) โVote Bankโ Politics
Stable caste-based voting blocs influence electoral outcomes.
However, caste is not the only determinant today. It interacts with:
- Development issues
- Leadership appeal
- Welfare schemes
- Regional identity
4.7 Diagram: CasteโPolitics Cycle
Caste Identity
โ
Political Mobilization
โ
Electoral Competition
โ
Representation & Policy Benefits
โ
Reinforced Caste Identity
4.8 Positive Impacts of Caste in Politics
- Political empowerment of marginalized groups
- Increased representation of SC/ST/OBC communities
- Expansion of democratic participation
- Recognition of social justice demands
- Rise of new leadership from lower strata
4.9 Negative Impacts of Caste in Politics
- Fragmentation of society
- Identity-based polarization
- Decline of ideological politics
- Vote-bank politics
- Occasional caste conflicts and tensions
4.10 Critical Analysis
Scholars differ in interpretation:
- Rajni Kothari: Caste is democratized through politics
- Srinivas: Caste adapts and survives in modernity
- Paul Brass: Caste is manipulated by elites for political gain
- Atul Kohli: Caste intersects with class and development politics
Thus, caste is neither disappearing nor static; it is transforming and politicizing continuously.
4.11 Conclusion
Caste in Indian politics represents both continuity and transformation. While democracy has weakened traditional caste hierarchies, it has simultaneously strengthened caste identities in electoral politics. The challenge lies in ensuring that caste becomes a tool of empowerment rather than division, aligning it with constitutional ideals of equality and social justice.
4.12 Exam-Oriented Key Points
- Caste = hereditary social hierarchy
- Politicization = use of caste in politics
- Rajni Kothari: โdemocratization of casteโ
- M.N. Srinivas: dominant caste theory
- Strong role in elections and voting behavior
- Leads to both empowerment and fragmentation
- Central to identity politics in India