Scheduled Caste
Introduction: Scheduled Caste
In sociology, the term Scheduled Castes (SCs) refers to those social groups in India that
have historically suffered from extreme social, economic, and educational
disadvantages due to the rigid caste system. These groups were traditionally placed at
the lowest position in the caste hierarchy and were subjected to untouchability,
discrimination, and social exclusion.
The term “Scheduled Caste” was officially introduced in the Government of India Act,
1935, and later incorporated into the Constitution of India under Article 341, where
specific castes are listed (scheduled) for special protection and welfare measures.
Scheduled Castes are central to the study of social stratification, inequality, social
justice, and social change in Indian society. Their condition and struggle for equality
have significantly shaped India’s constitutional policies, social reform movements, and
affirmative action programs.
In modern India, the concept of Scheduled Castes highlights both the historical
oppression faced by these communities and the ongoing efforts to ensure equality,
dignity, and social justice.
Meaning of Scheduled Caste
The term Scheduled Castes was introduced in the Government of India Act, 1935. These
castes are listed (“scheduled”) in the Constitution of India under Article 341.
They were historically referred to as:
• Untouchables
• Depressed Classes (by British administration)
• Harijans (term used by Mahatma Gandhi)
Now commonly referred to as Dalits (meaning “oppressed”)
Definitions
• G.S. Ghurye
Definition: Ghurye, in his classic work Caste and Race in India, defined Scheduled
Castes as: “Those castes which were traditionally regarded as untouchables and are
placed outside the four-fold varna system, subjected to social disabilities and
discrimination.”
• M.N. Srinivas
,Definition: Srinivas, a prominent Indian sociologist, did not give a direct definition of
Scheduled Castes but described them as: “Castes that are at the bottom of the caste
hierarchy and are socially and economically disadvantaged.”
Historical Background of Scheduled Castes
The historical background of Scheduled Castes (SCs) is deeply connected with the
evolution of the caste system in India, social exclusion, religious practices, colonial
policies, and social reform movements. Below is a detailed explanation suitable for
academic purposes.
1. Origin in the Varna System
a) Early Vedic Period (1500–600 BCE)
Society was divided into four varnas:
• Brahmins (priests)
• Kshatriyas (warriors)
• Vaishyas (traders)
• Shudras (servants)
This division was initially based more on occupation than birth.
b) Later Vedic Period
• The system became rigid and hereditary.
• Social mobility declined.
• The concept of purity and pollution became stronger.
Those who performed “impure” occupations were pushed outside the varna system and
became known as Avarnas (outside the varna system).
2. Emergence of Untouchability
Between 600 BCE and early medieval period, untouchability became more structured.
Groups performing tasks like:
• Disposal of dead bodies
• Leather work
• Manual scavenging
• Cleaning and sanitation
were considered ritually impure.
They were:
• Denied temple entry
, • Not allowed to draw water from common wells
• Forced to live outside villages
• Restricted from education
This marked the beginning of systematic social exclusion.
3. Medieval Period
During medieval India:
• Caste divisions became more rigid.
• Occupational immobility increased.
• Social segregation intensified.
However, the Bhakti Movement (e.g., Kabir, Ravidas, Chokhamela) challenged caste
discrimination and emphasized equality before God.
Despite reform movements, structural inequality remained.
4. British Colonial Period (18th–20th Century)
The British period was a turning point.
a) Administrative Classification
• The British conducted censuses and categorized castes.
• They referred to untouchables as “Depressed Classes.”
b) Government of India Act, 1935
• First official listing (“scheduling”) of certain castes.
• This led to the term Scheduled Castes.
c) Social Reform Movements
Important leaders emerged:
• Jyotirao Phule – Opposed Brahmanical dominance.
• Sri Narayana Guru – Promoted social equality.
• Periyar – Criticized caste oppression.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Most significant leader for Dalits.
Ambedkar:
• Fought for political rights.
• Demanded separate electorates for Depressed Classes.
• Signed the Poona Pact (1932) with Mahatma Gandhi, which provided reserved
seats instead of separate electorates.
Introduction: Scheduled Caste
In sociology, the term Scheduled Castes (SCs) refers to those social groups in India that
have historically suffered from extreme social, economic, and educational
disadvantages due to the rigid caste system. These groups were traditionally placed at
the lowest position in the caste hierarchy and were subjected to untouchability,
discrimination, and social exclusion.
The term “Scheduled Caste” was officially introduced in the Government of India Act,
1935, and later incorporated into the Constitution of India under Article 341, where
specific castes are listed (scheduled) for special protection and welfare measures.
Scheduled Castes are central to the study of social stratification, inequality, social
justice, and social change in Indian society. Their condition and struggle for equality
have significantly shaped India’s constitutional policies, social reform movements, and
affirmative action programs.
In modern India, the concept of Scheduled Castes highlights both the historical
oppression faced by these communities and the ongoing efforts to ensure equality,
dignity, and social justice.
Meaning of Scheduled Caste
The term Scheduled Castes was introduced in the Government of India Act, 1935. These
castes are listed (“scheduled”) in the Constitution of India under Article 341.
They were historically referred to as:
• Untouchables
• Depressed Classes (by British administration)
• Harijans (term used by Mahatma Gandhi)
Now commonly referred to as Dalits (meaning “oppressed”)
Definitions
• G.S. Ghurye
Definition: Ghurye, in his classic work Caste and Race in India, defined Scheduled
Castes as: “Those castes which were traditionally regarded as untouchables and are
placed outside the four-fold varna system, subjected to social disabilities and
discrimination.”
• M.N. Srinivas
,Definition: Srinivas, a prominent Indian sociologist, did not give a direct definition of
Scheduled Castes but described them as: “Castes that are at the bottom of the caste
hierarchy and are socially and economically disadvantaged.”
Historical Background of Scheduled Castes
The historical background of Scheduled Castes (SCs) is deeply connected with the
evolution of the caste system in India, social exclusion, religious practices, colonial
policies, and social reform movements. Below is a detailed explanation suitable for
academic purposes.
1. Origin in the Varna System
a) Early Vedic Period (1500–600 BCE)
Society was divided into four varnas:
• Brahmins (priests)
• Kshatriyas (warriors)
• Vaishyas (traders)
• Shudras (servants)
This division was initially based more on occupation than birth.
b) Later Vedic Period
• The system became rigid and hereditary.
• Social mobility declined.
• The concept of purity and pollution became stronger.
Those who performed “impure” occupations were pushed outside the varna system and
became known as Avarnas (outside the varna system).
2. Emergence of Untouchability
Between 600 BCE and early medieval period, untouchability became more structured.
Groups performing tasks like:
• Disposal of dead bodies
• Leather work
• Manual scavenging
• Cleaning and sanitation
were considered ritually impure.
They were:
• Denied temple entry
, • Not allowed to draw water from common wells
• Forced to live outside villages
• Restricted from education
This marked the beginning of systematic social exclusion.
3. Medieval Period
During medieval India:
• Caste divisions became more rigid.
• Occupational immobility increased.
• Social segregation intensified.
However, the Bhakti Movement (e.g., Kabir, Ravidas, Chokhamela) challenged caste
discrimination and emphasized equality before God.
Despite reform movements, structural inequality remained.
4. British Colonial Period (18th–20th Century)
The British period was a turning point.
a) Administrative Classification
• The British conducted censuses and categorized castes.
• They referred to untouchables as “Depressed Classes.”
b) Government of India Act, 1935
• First official listing (“scheduling”) of certain castes.
• This led to the term Scheduled Castes.
c) Social Reform Movements
Important leaders emerged:
• Jyotirao Phule – Opposed Brahmanical dominance.
• Sri Narayana Guru – Promoted social equality.
• Periyar – Criticized caste oppression.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Most significant leader for Dalits.
Ambedkar:
• Fought for political rights.
• Demanded separate electorates for Depressed Classes.
• Signed the Poona Pact (1932) with Mahatma Gandhi, which provided reserved
seats instead of separate electorates.
