QUESTION 8
GS1
10 marks
“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Comment on whether caste's new identities and associations mean it cannot be eradicated.
CommentGive your own view on the statement and back it with facts and examples.
Demand-wise check
- 1New forms: caste associations, political mobilisation, matrimonial sites, caste-based reservations demands (Jats, Marathas, Patidars)≈30 words
- 2Persistence argument: caste adapts≈30 words
- 3Counter: ritual hierarchy weakening, urbanisation, education, inter-caste marriage; Ambedkar's annihilation vision≈30 words
- 4Conclusion: transformation, not eradication soon≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
New formsWhy it persistsCounterConclusion
Where marks usually go
- No conclusion that caste is transforming rather than disappearing
- No examples like caste associations, Jat/Maratha/Patidar quota agitations, caste matrimonial sites
Draw this
- Two columns: old vs new forms
Value addition
- ThinkerM.N. Srinivas on 'dominant caste' and Rajni Kothari's 'Caste in Indian Politics' (1970) on caste's politicisation.Sociology literature
- ExampleCaste census in Bihar (2023) showed caste's continued policy relevance.Bihar Caste Survey 2023
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Ajay R Raj · AIR 109 · Page 9 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Akansh Dhull · AIR 3 · Page 35 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Akansh Dhull · AIR 3 · Page 15 ↗Same syllabus reference
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Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.