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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 respect and imitation would be directed towards a Maulana. This suggests that a pre-existing faith is necessary for individuals to respect and imitate the practices of their religious leaders. Similarly, if other classes began imitating Brahmins, it implies that these classes already adhered to a certain faith. Subsequently, they adopted Endogamy, contributing to the formation of the caste system. Therefore, the origin of religion did not necessarily coincide with the emergence of caste. There was likely a period when these faiths existed without the strict practice of Endogamy.

This interpretation is further supported by Babasaheb's statement that "Caste is an enclosed class." However, as he gained deeper insights into ground realities, his views on the class origin of caste evolved. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the entirety of Babasaheb's work for a comprehensive understanding.

Conclusion:

"Caste in India" is a remarkable thesis that provides a detailed exploration of Endogamy and investigates the origin, genesis, and mechanisms of the caste system. However, it is important to remember that Babasaheb's opinions evolved over time. Therefore, this work should not be considered the final word on the subject, and a thorough reading of "Annihilation of Caste" is highly recommended.

Short Version:

The defining characteristic of caste lies in the strict adherence to Endogamy and the punishment of those who engage in exogamy. Castes exist and function to uphold this ideology. In essence, caste exists solely to maintain Endogamy; it is a system built upon this principle. This notion of Endogamy is both religious and social in nature. Many individuals connect their genealogy to mythological figures or even deities, further motivating the adherence to Endogamy.  

The caste system originated with Brahmins, who, as the original caste and the priestly class, were considered the most revered according to the scriptures they authored. Other varnas or classes adopted Endogamy and other Brahminical practices through imitation.

The mechanism of the caste system involves the continuous breaking and formation of new castes, driven by the ideology of Endogamy.