Introduction
André Béteille is one of the most respected sociologists and anthropologists in India. His work has significantly contributed to our understanding of social stratification, especially in the Indian context. In his well-known ethnographic study of a South Indian village, titled Caste, Class and Power: Changing Patterns of Stratification in a Tanjore Village (1965), Béteille explores how caste, class, and power operate as overlapping but distinct forms of social inequality.
Overview of Béteille’s Ethnographic Work
Béteille studied the village of Sripuram in Tamil Nadu, focusing on three major caste groups: the Brahmins (dominant upper caste), the Mirasidars (land-owning non-Brahmins), and the Pannaiyals (landless laborers). Through detailed fieldwork, he analyzed how these groups interact in terms of caste, class (economic status), and power (political control).
1. Caste as a Traditional Hierarchy
- Caste in Sripuram was traditionally based on ritual purity and hereditary status.
- Brahmins held high ritual status, performed religious duties, and were respected socially.
- Pannaiyals were low-caste laborers with little access to education or wealth.
Key Observations:
- Caste status was ascribed at birth and maintained through social norms like endogamy and occupation.
- Despite modern influences, caste continued to structure social relations.
2. Class as Economic Differentiation
Class refers to people’s position in the economic structure — their income, landholding, and occupation.
Insights from the Village:
- Land ownership was the key determinant of class in Sripuram.
- The Mirasidars, though not Brahmins, had more land and wealth, placing them higher in the class hierarchy.
- Some Brahmins, despite their caste status, were economically poor, showing that caste and class do not always align.
3. Power as Political Control
Béteille examined how political influence was exercised in the village — through control over institutions, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
Findings:
- Power was historically associated with both caste and class.
- Over time, the Mirasidars began to dominate village politics, replacing the Brahmins.
- Education and exposure to urban centers gave newer groups more influence.
Interplay Between Caste, Class, and Power
Béteille argued that these three forms of stratification often intersect but are not identical.
- A person could be high in caste but low in class or power (e.g., a poor Brahmin).
- Likewise, a wealthy landowner (Mirasidar) could command class and power without having high ritual caste status.
- Modernization and democracy were slowly altering these relationships, especially through education and political participation.
Conclusion
André Béteille’s work offers a nuanced understanding of Indian society by showing how caste, class, and power operate both independently and together. His ethnography of Sripuram reveals the complexities of social inequality and challenges the assumption that caste alone determines one’s social standing. Today, his insights remain relevant for understanding social change and stratification in rural and urban India alike.