Caste System, Dalitization and Its Implications in Contemporary India: Brief Overview

This paper deals with caste system and its implication in contemporary India. It begins with the origin
of caste, religious sanction and justification made by ancient Hindu scriptures. How the role of caste
which was originally followed on the basis of function among people turned out to be a discriminating
element of “Untouchability”. It highlights various factors influencing the stabilization and destabilization
of caste in the lives of people. The only hope of the dehumanized people under caste discrimination
rests in the constitution of India. Finally, it takes us to understand the process of Dalitization in India
which gives future orientation to Dalit struggles. Certainly, their victory is found on the battle ground
than visualizing it in the future. In this process at this juncture the political democracy of India is really
at stake.