Challenging the Caste System: Reforms and Movements in India

Caste was another oppressive force, enforcing a system of segregation based on ritual status and hierarchical order. The concept of Hindu chaturvarnashrama dictated that a person’s caste determined their social status and relative purity within society. This caste system determined various aspects of a person’s life, including access to education, ownership of land, choice of profession, marriage and dining partners, and more. Even before birth, a person’s social loyalties were determined by their caste. Additionally, caste influenced various everyday aspects such as dress, food, place of residence, access to water sources, and even entry into temples.

Caste Issues 

Social Mobility and Human Dignity: The rules and regulations of caste hindered social mobility, perpetuated social divisions, and stifled individual initiative. 

• Above all, the practice of untouchability inflicted a severe blow to human dignity.
• Social Reform Organizations: In the 20th century, the social reform movement saw the emergence of numerous social organizations at both the all-India and provincial levels. 
• • The Indian National Social Conference, established in 1887 by M.G. Ranade, had limited objectives and achieved modest success. 
  • The Bombay Social Reform Association was founded in 1903, and in Madras, Mrs. Annie Besant established the Hindu Association. 
• The All-India Anti-Untouchability League was formed in September 1932, later renamed Harijan Sevak Sangh. However, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, a politically-aware leader of the Depressed Classes, expressed dissatisfaction with these efforts, viewing the Harijan Sevak Sangh as a Congress-affiliated organization aiming to ensure the Depressed Classes remained followers of the Hindus and the Congress. 
  • In 1945, Dr. Ambedkar criticized Mahatma Gandhi in his renowned book, “What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables,” and encouraged his fellow untouchables to convert to Buddhism.

Contribution of Babasaheb Ambedkar

Babasaheb Ambedkar, who had experienced the worst form of casteist discrimination during his childhood, fought against upper caste tyranny throughout his life. 

• Formation of Key Organizations for Scheduled Castes: He organised the All India Scheduled Castes Federation, while several other leaders of the depressed classes founded the All India Depressed Classes Association. 
• Opposition to Caste and Legislative Reforms: Ambedkar condemned the hierarchical and insular caste system as a whole, and advocated the annihilation of the institution of caste for the real progress of the nation. 
  • The struggle of the depressed classes led to the provision of special representation for these classes in the Government of India Act, of 1935.
• Rise of Non-Brahmin and Intermediate Caste Movements: Others in the 1900s, such as the Maharaja of Kolhapur, encouraged the non-brahmin movement which spread to the southern states in the first decade of the twentieth century and was joined by the Kammas, Reddis, Vellalas (the powerful intermediate castes) and the Muslims.
• Mahad Satyagraha: Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927 to challenge the regressive customs of the caste Hindus. 
  • He stressed the necessity of removing ideas of ‘high’ and ‘low’ and inculcating self-elevation through self-help, self-respect, and self-knowledge. 
  • He led a procession of some 2,500 ‘untouchables’ through the town of Mahad to the Chavdar tank, a public source of water tank from which the untouchables were not allowed to draw water. 
  • Dr Ambedkar took water from the tank and drank it. There were huge protests by caste Hindus. 
• Symbolic Protest: Later in December 1927, Ambedkar and his colleagues burnt the ‘Manusmriti’ at the same place as a gesture of getting rid of inequalities. 
• Establishment of Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha: Dr Ambedkar established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha in 1924 to highlight the difficulties and grievances of the Dalits before the government. Its motto was: ‘Educate, Agitate and Organise’.

Constitution of Free India

The Constitution of independent India took significant steps to address these issues. It abolished untouchability, declared any endorsement of disabilities arising from untouchability as unlawful, and prohibited restrictions on access to various public facilities. It also laid down Directive Principles to promote a social order where justice—social, economic, and political—would guide all aspects of national life.

Caste Movements and Organisations

Factors in Alleviating Caste-based Discrimination

British rule in India played a crucial role in the reduction of caste-based discrimination.

• Private Property and Land Ownership: The introduction of private property rights and the ability to freely buy and sell land disrupted traditional caste dynamics. 
  1. This weakened the link between caste and occupation.
• Economic Diversification: The emergence of modern commerce and industry created new economic opportunities, breaking the traditional ties between caste and vocation.
• Urbanization and Transportation: Growing urban centers and improved transportation systems allowed for increased mobility of populations. 
  1. This meant people were exposed to a wider range of experiences and interactions, potentially leading to a reduction in rigid caste distinctions.
• Legal Reforms: The British administration introduced the concept of equality before the law, which struck a blow against social and legal inequalities. 
  1. Additionally, the authority of caste-based panchayats in judicial matters was diminished.
• Access to Administrative Services: The British made administrative services open to members of all castes, providing opportunities for individuals from lower castes to enter public service.
• Secular Education System: The new education system introduced under British rule was designed to be secular, providing education to people from different castes and communities on an equal footing.

Role of Social Reform Movements in  Combating Caste-based Discrimination 

Efforts to Eradicate Caste-Based Discrimination: These reform movements played a crucial role in combat caste-based discrimination. 

• Organizations like Brahmo Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, Arya Samaj, and individuals worked to educate untouchables and remove restrictions on their access to religious sites. 
• Bottlenecks: Reformers challenged the hereditary nature of caste and the concept of karma as justifications for the undemocratic caste system. 
• Social Reform and Inclusivity: They urged people to work for improvement in the present life, rather than focusing solely on salvation in the afterlife. 
  • For example, Arya Samaj advocated for the original four-fold division of society and the right of even the lowest castes to study scriptures.

National movement 

• Impact of Nationalist Ideas on Social Reforms: The national movement took inspiration from the principles of liberty and equality and played a crucial role in reform movements. 
  • National leaders and organizations opposed caste privileges and advocated for equal civic rights and individual development. 
  • Mass participation in demonstrations, meetings, and satyagraha struggles contributed to the dilution of caste divisions, albeit to a limited extent.
• Provincial Initiatives and Royal Decrees: Congress governments in various provinces, starting from 1937, took steps for the upliftment of the depressed classes, including the introduction of free education for Harijans. 
  • Rulers of states like Travancore, Indore, and Devas played a role in opening all state temples through proclamations.

Non-Brahmin movements 

Non-brahmin movements gained momentum in South India, with leaders like E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker leading the Self-Respect Movement. Other movements demanded the lifting of temple entry bans for lower castes. Figures like Sri Narayana Guru in Kerala and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in Maharashtra spearheaded significant protests and movements, advocating for self-help, self-respect, and self-knowledge.

Different Approach to Caste System

Gandhi Ji’s Approach 

• Gandhi’s Campaign Against Untouchability: Gandhi was committed to completely eradicating untouchability. 
  • His approach was rooted in humanism and reason, and he argued that even if the Shastras (ancient texts) sanctioned untouchability, they should be disregarded, as truth cannot be confined to a book.
  •  In 1932, he founded the All India Harijan Sangh.
• Caste Reforms: General Awakening and educational opportunities for ‘lower castes’: Leaders like Jyotiba Phule in Maharashtra and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who personally experienced caste-based discrimination, played significant roles in pioneering caste-based reforms in India. 

Ambedkar Approach 

• Efforts to Eradicate: Ambedkar vehemently condemned the caste system and called for its annihilation for the progress of the nation. 
  • His efforts led to special representation for depressed classes in the Government of India Act, of 1935.  
• Challenging Inequality: Dr. Ambedkar’s Mahad Satyagraha challenged regressive customs, and he later symbolically burnt the ‘Manusmriti’ to signify the end of inequalities. 
  • He also established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha to advocate for the rights of Dalits. Their motto: ‘Educate, Agitate and Organise’.

Conclusion

The battle against caste-based discrimination in India has been a complicated and multi-dimensional fight. Figures such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Gandhi, along with movements and legal changes, have been crucial in confronting and breaking down oppressive caste traditions. Continued efforts are necessary to eliminate caste discrimination and promote a fair society, despite progress made by constitutional amendments, social reform groups, and legislative measures.

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