Casteism Returns: A Threat to India’s Social Harmony
Extremism on both sides reignites age-old divisions, obscuring pressing challenges such as unemployment and education.
The Increasing Threat of Casteism in India
The current climate in the country is undoubtedly disturbing. Religious extremism has eventually evolved into caste-based conflict. India has recently faced not only religious difficulties, but also casteism and linguistic differences. While politicians continue to use these issues to advance their goals, a huge proportion of young people remain unemployed. Amidst rising inflation, hunger, and deepening poverty, Indian politics seems caught between the narratives of religion and caste. But is it fair to blame only the politicians? In my opinion, no.
Caste-Based Conflicts in India
India is witnessing a rise in caste-based and linguistic conflicts alongside ongoing religious disputes. As we all know, India’s history and its diversity span thousands of years. While this history has its golden chapters, there are also pages soaked in dark ink—ink that once dictated the fate of Dalits at the hands of the upper castes. A look into history reveals a time when upper castes held dominant power. Society was split into four major castes: Brahmins, Rajputs, Kayasths, and Shudras. The Brahmins took it upon themselves to rule society and, believing themselves superior, began exploiting other castes, particularly the Shudras, today known as Dalits. Many regressive policies were implemented, such as depriving individuals the right to an education and imposing untouchability.
However, as time passed, a number of enlightened thinkers and social reformers emerged, not only speaking out against these injustices but also actively fighting to eliminate them. Whether it was Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule of Dalit descent or Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Dayanand Saraswati of upper-caste descent, these reformers were essential in battling social issues like as discrimination, sati, widow remarriage, and caste-based persecution. They advocated for equal educational rights for all, including women, and brought about positive changes in society.
But now, even after 75 years of independence, caste-based tensions are once again reaching a peak. This resurgence stems from two primary causes: first, the existence of extremists within every caste group; and second, a deep-rooted sense of revenge—though that, too, is a byproduct of extremism.
For example, among Brahmins, there are still some extremists who believe they are the guardians of religion, that they hold a copyright on God, and that they still have the right to oppress Dalits. On the other hand, there are certain extremist groups within the Dalit community whose sole mission appears to be avenging the historical oppression their ancestors faced. Let me clarify—I’m only referring to a small, radical portion of individuals from both sides. The educated, responsible majority still prioritizes issues like education, employment, and inflation. But the concern of these extremists is merely how to degrade the other group—whether it be Brahmins or Dalits.
And in this digital age, social media has become a weapon for such agendas, operating unchecked. Politicians gain a platform to polarize, and media houses get their TRP-driving headlines. Real national issues fade into the background—extremists and politicians alike don’t seem to care.
It seems some people have forgotten that with time comes progress. They need to understand that while centuries ago people may have lived in narrow, regressive mindsets, today we are part of a world that values progressive thought far beyond caste or religion. In today’s society, education and discipline hold greater importance. Whether one is a Brahmin extremist or a Dalit extremist, it’s time to accept that no particular religion or caste alone can carry a nation forward. And if caste-based extremism and religious fanaticism become too dominant, then nothing could be more dangerous for a country’s future.
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