Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
Understanding the historical, social, and scientific dimensions of the caste system is crucial for addressing deep-rooted social inequalities, promoting inclusive development, and upholding constitutional values of equality and justice in India. It is a core topic for Indian Society and Social Justice.
The caste system is a hierarchical social structure historically codified in texts like the Manusmriti, assigning individuals a place in society and social rights based on birth. This system fundamentally clashes with modern constitutional thinking, which asserts individual rights independent of inherited social functions, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution's fundamental rights.