Castes In India

"Castes In India" by B. R. Ambedkar is an investigation into the complex caste system in India. The work examines the establishment, social mechanisms, and progression of caste within Hindu society. Ambedkar analyzes definitions of caste from various scholars, observing that marrying within one's own group is key to the caste system. He explores the historical and cultural influences that led to caste, and says that it came from the desire for social ranking among classes, especially among the Brahmins. By looking at practices such as widow burning and child marriage, he suggests these customs tried to control the population within castes, and maintain endogamy. Ambedkar presents an analysis of caste as a social wall, questioning its validity and the difficulties of caste identity and reform in India.