Question

Explain major types and features of Indian rural society in terms of caste and class. Exceed 1000 words

Answer 1

Sociologists and anthropologists have defined caste as a major form of stratification. Though this form of inequality is found all over the country, there are a few misconceptions about it. There is a general understanding that caste and class are polar opposites. It is also under­stood that caste is essentially a rural phenomenon while class is found in urban communities.

The misunderstandings are many. The fact is that there are classes in a caste; there are castes in urban communities also. During the last five decades much research has been done in the field of caste. Caste is not regimental it is always changing. Even the caste structure which prevailed before independence in rural India has changed considerably. But, however, its essential characteristics con­tinue to remain.