Caste System Archives - IGNOU CORNER

Did colonialism shape the perceptions of caste? Discuss.

Leave a Comment / MHI-06: Evolution of Social Structures /

Introduction Colonialism had a significant impact on many aspects of Indian society, including how caste was understood, practiced, and categorized. While caste existed in India long before British rule, the colonial administration redefined and institutionalized caste in new ways. This answer explores how colonialism shaped the perception of caste through policies, censuses, administrative practices, and […]

Did colonialism shape the perceptions of caste? Discuss. Read More »

Gandhi-Ambedkar debate on Caste system

Leave a Comment / MPYE-015 Gandhian Philosophy /

Gandhi-Ambedkar Debate on Caste System The Gandhi-Ambedkar debate on caste system is one of the most significant philosophical and political discourses in modern India. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a Dalit leader and social reformer, saw the caste system as inherently oppressive and rooted in Hindu religious texts. He demanded its complete abolition and advocated for the

Gandhi-Ambedkar debate on Caste system Read More »

Ritual Inversion

Leave a Comment / MPYE-006: Dalit Philosophy /

Ritual Inversion Ritual inversion is a sociocultural concept where established hierarchies, roles, or symbols are temporarily reversed during specific rituals or festivals. In the context of Dalit philosophy, it becomes a powerful tool for challenging dominant caste structures and reclaiming dignity. Examples include rituals where Dalits mimic or subvert upper-caste religious ceremonies to expose their

Ritual Inversion Read More »

Untouchability

Leave a Comment / MPYE-006: Dalit Philosophy /

Untouchability Untouchability is one of the most degrading social practices rooted in the caste system of India. It involves the systematic exclusion and discrimination of certain communities, especially Dalits, deemed “impure” by traditional Hindu society. This practice denies individuals basic human rights such as access to public spaces, education, water sources, and temples. Untouchability is

Untouchability Read More »

Chakalatwam

Leave a Comment / MPYE-006: Dalit Philosophy /

Chakalatwam Chakalatwam is a concept deeply rooted in the Tamil Dalit experience and reflects the lived reality of systemic marginalization. The term is derived from the Tamil word “Chakali,” historically used to refer to washer communities who are part of the Dalit caste system. In philosophical discourse, Chakalatwam has come to represent the condition of

Chakalatwam Read More »

Social Utility

Leave a Comment / MPYE-006: Dalit Philosophy /

Social Utility Social utility refers to the value or usefulness of an action, institution, or policy in terms of its benefits to society as a whole. In Dalit philosophy, this concept is crucial for evaluating social norms and practices, especially those related to caste. Dalit thinkers and reformers often ask whether a tradition or belief

Social Utility Read More »

Discuss Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s views on caste system and its annihilation.

Leave a Comment / MPSE-004 / IgnouCorner

Introduction Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and one of the most influential social reformers of modern India, devoted much of his life to fighting the caste system. Born into a Dalit family, Ambedkar experienced caste-based discrimination firsthand. His deep critique of the caste system and call for its annihilation became

Discuss Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s views on caste system and its annihilation. Read More »

Discuss Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s views on caste system and its annihilation.

Leave a Comment / MPSE-004 / IgnouCorner

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956) was a towering intellectual, social reformer, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. One of his most remarkable contributions lay in his analysis of the Hindu caste system and his call for its annihilation. Born into an “untouchable” community, Ambedkar faced caste-based discrimination firsthand. His experiences shaped his determination to

Discuss Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s views on caste system and its annihilation. Read More »

Discuss the inter-relationship between religion and polity in pre-modern Indian Political Thought.

Leave a Comment / MPSE-004 / IgnouCorner

In pre-modern India, religion and polity were deeply intertwined. Religious traditions often shaped political ideas, and rulers frequently used religious symbols and values to gain legitimacy. By “pre-modern,” we usually refer to the period before the major influences of colonialism and modern western ideas—roughly up to the 18th century. During this time, various dynasties, empires,

Discuss the inter-relationship between religion and polity in pre-modern Indian Political Thought. Read More »