Since before recorded history Indian society was dominated by the caste system, dividing the population into different social classes. Once one was born into a caste there was no escape, social mobility was impossible, unless it was to be forced into a lower caste for some violation of traditional protocol. People from different castes were not even allowed to interact with one another for fear of reprisals from their peer groups or suffering the loss of social status.
At the very bottom of this social divide were those known as the “untouchables.” These were the most destitute of the population and were often limited to degrading jobs as public restroom cleaners because they weren’t allowed other opportunities. Their status was so low that it was a crime for them to even make eye contact with anybody in the upper castes.
Thankfully, this discriminatory system was outlawed in India in 1950. While it has been a step in the right direction caste politics have not been totally done away with. In rural areas the presence of the caste system is still quite strong where government supervision is the most relaxed. Over the last few decades Indian law has established a practice of setting aside a percentage of government jobs and university opportunities for people from the lowest castes. The thought process is that by giving them these opportunities it begins to make up for past discrimination. It is similar to the affirmative action laws that were enacted in the United States during the Civil Rights movement.
Just as it has in the US these opportunities for the lower classes have created controversy. Many in the higher classes are protesting that despite higher test scores they are not getting enough access to the best jobs or admission to the top universities. Recently, this struggle has even presented itself through outright protests that have left 8 dead and countless more injured. While violence will not create a solution it has at least made people around the world realize, “Oh yeah, the caste system. That’s still a thing?”
The main point to be taken away from this lingering class struggle is that outlawing institutional discrimination isn’t enough, generations must pass to fully eradicate this negative legacy.