The Persistent Shadow of Casteism in Urban India

The seeds of casteism were deeply planted on Indian soil since Vedic times, with the four-fold division of Hindu society based on the Varna System illustrated in the Purusha Sukta Hymn of the Rig Veda. Over the centuries, from colonial rule to independence and urbanization, the caste system has evolved but remains a pervasive force in our society.

The Institutionalization of Casteism

The colonial surveys and census played a crucial role in concretizing the caste system, as it became formalized to a great extent to facilitate administrative purposes. The British, who sought to administer a diverse populace, wanted detailed knowledge about social hierarchies and divisions. This formalization made caste an integral part of the social fabric, making it nearly impossible to eradicate completely.

Caste as a Marker of Social Identity

Caste has long been an important source of one’s identity and a marker of social or Cultural Capital (Bourdieu, 1986). Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital helps us understand how caste values penetrate the overall value and ethical structures of society, often without individuals being consciously aware of them. This integration of caste into social structures contributes to its enduring influence, despite efforts to modernize and democratize Indian society.

The Modern Perception of Caste

Interestingly, many urban Indians today view caste as a functional institution rather than an outdated one. This perspective aligns with the views of GS Ghurye (1957), who saw caste as an effective system of labor division in society, as espoused by Emile Durkheim (1912). However, despite this functional role, caste continues to shape social and cultural realities in urban India in subtle, yet impactful ways.

Social Topography and Caste in Urban Areas

While urban areas may lack explicit caste-based discrimination in terms of physical violence or attacks, they are far from caste-free zones. The migration of people from rural areas to cities often brings with it the roots and societal structures of caste hierarchies. Urban Indians who are originally from villages might have internalized caste values and continue to carry them with them as they navigate city life.

The social topography of any location, including cities, is crucial in understanding the presence and influence of caste. In urban areas, caste functions in more subtle ways, playing a role in social interactions, workplace dynamics, and even location preferences. Subtle caste-based discrimination can be found in areas like Southall, UK, where upper caste individuals frequent certain pubs while Dalits have their own.

Caste in the Workplace

The work environment in urban India is not immune to caste-based discrimination. Cases of casteism in the workplace have become so common that questions were raised in the British parliament, leading to the passage of certain laws to address the issue. Similarly, in India, the problem of caste discrimination continues to persist in the modern built structures, amenities, and institutions of urban centers.

In conclusion, the persistence of casteism in urban India is a multifaceted issue that transcends the physical boundaries of cities. It is an integral part of our socio-cultural DNA and remains a significant force within modern Indian society, shaping various aspects of urban life and work.