4-3: Caste, Society and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age | Susan Bayly (1999) | Volume IV: The evolution of contemporary South Asia | The New Cambridge History of India

Caste, Society and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age | Susan Bayly (1999)

Overview

"Caste, Society, and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age” by Susan Bayly significantly enhances our comprehension of the evolution and impact of caste on Indian society and politics, spanning from the late Mughal era to contemporary times. Released in 1999 within The New Cambridge History of India series, this work investigates caste not as a static tradition but as a vibrant and historically influenced system that interacts with colonialism, nationalism, democracy, and globalization.
Combining elements of historical analysis, sociological perspective, and anthropological detail, Susan Bayly's book serves as an essential tool for grasping the complexities of caste within various Indian contexts, both rural and urban, as well as pre-modern and modern.

Key Themes and Highlights

Caste Before Colonialism

Bayly starts with the late Mughal period, revealing that caste was an already malleable and regionally varied institution:

• The jati and varna systems functioned uniquely in different areas.
• Caste was intertwined with land ownership, service roles, and temple hierarchies, rather than being solely about religious purity.
• Local negotiations often determined power and status.

Colonialism and the Codification of Caste

A primary claim of this book is that British colonial practices redefined and "fixed" caste:

• The ten-year censuses, ethnographic studies, and legal frameworks pushed Indians to classify themselves within strict caste systems.
• Colonial authorities perceived caste as a hereditary, racial, and unchanging trait of Indian existence.
• This led to the establishment of caste identities, frequently reinforcing societal divisions.

Caste and Indian Nationalism

Bayly delves into the interaction between nationalist movements and caste:

• Reformers like Gandhi promoted concepts of spiritual unity and the advancement of the “Harijans” (Dalits).
• Conversely, Ambedkar outright rejected caste in Hinduism, advocating for social equity, access to education, and political rights for Dalits.
• Caste surfaced as a vital aspect in discussions surrounding representation, affirmative actions, and national identity.

Caste in Modern Indian Politics

In the period following independence, caste has continued to play a critical role in Indian democracy:

• Implementation of affirmative action policies (reservations) for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Emergence of political parties founded on caste lines, such as the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party).
• Bayly illustrates the evolution of caste from a social hierarchy into a political identity, influencing electoral tactics, governmental policies, and civil activism.

Globalization and New Caste Identities

In the concluding sections, Bayly examines the ways urbanization, migration, and globalization influence caste:

• The emergence of a Dalit middle class within urban settings.
• The friction between traditional values and modernity, as younger generations question caste roles.
• Nonetheless, caste continues to hold importance in marriage, social connections, and local power dynamics.

About the Author: Susan Bayly

Susan Bayly is an esteemed British anthropologist and historian associated with Cambridge University.

• Her expertise lies in Indian society, caste systems, and religious studies.
• Her writing artfully combines historical storytelling with ethnographic investigation, offering a thorough understanding of social transformations in India.
• She is widely respected for her impartial, scholarly, and approachable writing style.

Why This Book Matters

• This book represents one of the most credible examinations of caste within a historical framework.
• It challenges the prevailing notion that caste is eternal or exclusively religious in nature.
• The text provides a nuanced perspective on caste as both a source of oppression and a system that can adapt.
• It is essential for comprehending the implications of caste on contemporary politics, legislation, and identity formation.

Who Should Read This?

• Individuals studying Indian history, sociology, anthropology, and political science.
• Investigators focused on caste, social reform, and South Asian research.
• Candidates preparing for competitive examinations (UPSC, CSS) that involve social structures and Indian governance.
• Anyone aiming to gain a more profound insight into the historical development of caste.