Introduction Caste has historically constituted one of the most enduring institutions of Indian society, shaping patterns of social organization, occupational specialization, ritual hierarchy, and community identity for centuries. Traditionally understood through the twin concepts of varna and jati, caste regulated social interactions, marriage, economic opportunities, and political authority within a rigid hierarchical framework. Colonial administrators, … Continue reading Assess the extent to which caste has evolved from a social institution into a political resource in contemporary India, and evaluate its consequences for democratic governance and national integration.