Question

What factors have brought about a change in the Indian Caste system in modern time
Explain.​

Answer 1

The factors that brought  change in the Indian caste system in Modern Times are as follows:

1.Social reform movements: many social reform movements were initiated in the 19th Century such a Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj. All the Institutions preached against the caste system. Leaders of these Reform movements were Swami Dayanand, Swami Vivekananda, Jyotiba Phule, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Mahatma Gandhi who denounced the caste system.

2. Modern education: Earlier times religious education was important only to higher castes. But with the advent of modern education, religious education gradually came to an end. There were no discrimination in education. Everyone could avail it. Now people have become aware of their rights and the importance of caste system has declined.

3. New occupations: Due to industrialisation and modernization new occupations came into being. People opted for new occupation which has led to the decline of caste system.

4. Means of transport and communication: with the advent of the means of transport and communication people started to move from one place to another in search of work. In a new society they began to work with the people of other castes. It led to the decline of another feature of keeping close knit relations with one's own caste.

Answer 2

$\textbf{Decline of the caste system in India }$:

1. Social reformers like Phule, Gandhiji etc. made great efforts against the caste system. They aimed to promote a casteless society.

2. Urbanisation has also diminished the awareness of caste, as people rub shoulders in buses etc.

3. Literacy has also increased with education, which had also helped to decrease the belief in caste.