Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development

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Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar: Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development

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Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development was a paper read by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at an anthropological seminar of Alexander Goldenweiser in New York on 9 May 1916. It was later published in volume XLI of Indian Antiquary in May 1917. In the same year, Ambedkar was awarded a PhD degree by Columbia University on this topic. In 1979, the Education Department of the Government of Maharashtra (Bombay) published this article in the collection of Ambedkar's writings and speeches Volume 1; later, it was translated in many languages. In the paper, Ambedkar made a presentation a social phenomenon that emerged from the strategy of the Brahmins who adopted a strictly endogamous matrimonial regime, leading the other groups to do the same in order to emulate this self-proclaimed elite. He said that "the superposition of endogamy on exogamy means the creation of caste".

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After completing "Annihilation of Caste" and some other Ambedkarite works, I felt a slight disconnect. It took me some time to articulate this confusion and arrive at an answer.

"Caste in India" is an early thesis by Babasaheb Ambedkar. As he gained more knowledge and experience, his views on several aspects, while not drastically changing, evolved subtly. The essence remained the same, but his understanding became more nuanced.

For example: Babasaheb, and even present-day Ambedkarites, consider the origin of Brahminism intertwined with Endogamy. They believe that this faith and religion emerged alongside the practice of Endogamy. However, in "Caste in India," Babasaheb states that Brahmins, as the priestly class, first practiced Endogamy. Due to their high social influence, other classes began to imitate their practices, including Endogamy, which ultimately led to the caste system.  

Interpreting this further: A Muslim, for instance, would not primarily look up to a Pope; their …