Why Caste Was Not Abolished in Independent India
The persistence of caste in independent India is notably linked to the extension of reservations to backward classes, now known as Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This move was explained by B. R. Ambedkar as a necessity due to the lack of constitutional safeguards for these groups.
Ambedkar's Resignation and Views on the Constitution
Ambedkar resigned from the Nehru cabinet in 1951, citing the absence of protections for backward classes. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Constitution, referring to himself as a "hack" who reluctantly complied with directives, indicating his disagreement with certain foundational aspects.
Reservations and Political Expediency
- Reservations for backward classes became a tool of political expediency.
- Backward classes formed a significant electoral constituency, influencing political strategies.
Identification of Backward Classes
- The term "social and educational backwardness" was adopted to identify eligible castes.
- This broad criterion allowed almost any group to claim backwardness.
- Brahmins, for example, claimed backwardness, leading to the EWS reservation provision in 2019.
Institutionalisation of Caste
The caste system was effectively revitalised within the modern Constitution, transforming it into a legitimate criterion for social justice. This was an intentional strategy by the ruling classes to maintain control, using caste as a mechanism of redistribution rather than annihilation.
Constitution as a 'Casteographic' Document
The Constitution, while aiming for a democratic and egalitarian society, embedded caste as a legal and bureaucratic category. This process lacked a sunset clause, making caste a permanent aspect of identity and state policy.
Impact on Intellectual and Policy Frameworks
- Public and academic discourse often assumes caste is immutable, focusing on differentiation rather than elimination.
- Identity assertion, including sub-caste differentiation, is paradoxically seen as combating caste.
- Sub-quotas, caste censuses, and intra-reservation classifications reinforce this framework.
Conclusion
The idea of an India without caste has become nearly unthinkable within current political discourse, indicating a profound departure from Ambedkar's vision of caste annihilation.
