`Annihilating' The Caste

The first effort to condemn and oppose the caste system was made by Gautam Buddha. He gave an alternative by propagating the principle of equality and self-realization based on a secular ideology of humanism. In modern India, social reformers took up the cause; notable mention may be made of Jyotiba Phule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's book `Annihilation of Caste ' still provides the best solution to the caste problem.

Indian society is known to be closed and heterogeneous with multiple complexities and divisions. However, the British proved to be an exception as they brought in the principle of equality and modern humanity (although with vested interests) along with the introduction of modern scientific knowledge, industrialization, urbanization and technological growth. During this period, besides military services, education was open to all castes. All this led to the emergence of a modern western-educated intellectual class of guardians who strived for India's social solidarity. The changes that took place in the social structure have been un-avoidable and are at the periphery. The basic structure and its impact, however, remain unchanged.