I know I am entering into a difficult zone. This is because the given topic is so complex and diverse that a non-scholar like me may not succeed in showing the correct perspective on it. It is because of this limitation that I would like to clarify at the start itself that this article is meant for a lay person who sees and feels the discourse of caste system in the society.
There are innumerable theories and diverse perspectives on the caste system as has been present in India since historical times. Some school of thought believe it to functional for the society while others see it as a tyranny of the so-called higher caste people. Whatever be the reality, it is true to some extent that it is not really seen in a very positive light by the new educated generation. Why is this so? When the accepted norm is that individuals be recognized on the basis of merits, caste system only acts as a stumbling block.
It cannot be denied that there are instances when two people of equal merit are given unequal treatment based on their caste. Neither the fact that institutions of higher learning have vacant posts reserved for the Dalits or other lower caste candidates is easily comprehensible.
Let us go back to the history for a moment. Scholars say the "jati" system present during the ancient periods were functioning effectively. The actual phenomena was that every individual is born as a Shudra. After he/she attains knowledge and takes up any particular work that one is characterized as Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra (i.e according to the Varna System). But, this phenomena became disfunctional for the society when the Varna system has been linked with the birth of an individual. In other words, by virtue of being born in a Brahmin family, one becomes entitled to learn the Vedas. While, if one takes birth in a Shudra family, he/she has to serve all the three other varnas.
Different historians give different dates for the institutionalisation of this system. More than the date, it is important to know that this system got further strengthened during the British Period. British's policy of conducting Census every ten years, reservation for the Dalits etc created some sense of alienation among these groups. The issue of reservation, which was basically the brainchild of Dr. B R Ambedkar, still continues. Whether it has benefitted the respective groups or not is a matter of debate for which I am not qualified enough to comment upon.
Here comes a very important development in Indian History. When Dr. B R Ambedkar was in favour of anhilition of caste, what made Gandhiji to oppose this view? As far as my knowledge goes, Gandhiji believed that caste system as such was not problematic. It only needs to be reformed by resolving the issue of untouchability. Sometimes I wonder had it been the same situation as it is at present when the two tall leaders of the nation worked for total anhilition of the caste system?
While Gandhiji was not incorrect in assuming that the ideal form of caste system (i.e caste system sans the untouchability) could be continued because of it's assumed advantage. However, the sad part is that idealism cannot be guaranteed except under a controlled environment. Human beings and their thoughts cannot be controlled unlike the natural matter.
While I gloss over the happenings of the 21st century, I still think what Gandhiji would have thought about the caste system as it is working now. No doubt he would have been certainly very happy to see that the issue of untouchability has been made illegal and given a constitutional recognition. However, if one looks carefully through the society, this issue keeps emerging one time or the other. By recognizing this reality, would Gandhiji still work for removing the untouchability or fast unto death for removing the idea of caste system altogether? I definitely need a well read scholar to answer this.
Applying this in the present context, when I see that various groups voice their desire to be included at a particular position in the caste hierarchy, I think what kind of a situation are we creating for ourselves. In one part of the country, when I find that politics is being played over the death of a Dalit student, I wonder where we are heading towards. On one hand, we are playing a very significant role in International arena by being a knowledge economy. The other moment we find that the human resources are being wasted in no significant issues.
Can there exist a system which may do some good to the society, but, prima facie creates an obstacle in realising the full potential of a nation by keeping us involved in unnecessary matters? I would have definitely asked this question to Gandhiji had he been alivE.
Edit: One of my friends suggested that this article is not leading to any particular viewpoint. I am aware of this. In this article, my aim was limited to make people think whether this system should be continued or not? I do not have a proper answer for this. Hence, I expected that some of you would write certain arguements regarding this. Thank you all for reading this.
