April 10, 2026
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Chapter 3: Gender, Religion and Caste
Complete NCERT Solutions | Class 10 Social Science Political Science – Democratic Politics II
Quick Revision
OverviewChapter Summary
What is this chapter mainly about?
Answer:
This chapter explains how social differences based on gender, religion and caste become important in democratic politics. It shows that social diversity is not necessarily harmful to democracy, but it can become dangerous when it leads to inequality, discrimination, communalism, casteism or exclusion. The chapter discusses gender division, women’s political representation, communal politics, secularism, caste inequalities and the role of caste in Indian politics.
This chapter explains how social differences based on gender, religion and caste become important in democratic politics. It shows that social diversity is not necessarily harmful to democracy, but it can become dangerous when it leads to inequality, discrimination, communalism, casteism or exclusion. The chapter discusses gender division, women’s political representation, communal politics, secularism, caste inequalities and the role of caste in Indian politics.
Key IdeaMain Concept
Are social divisions always dangerous for democracy?
Answer:
No. Social divisions are not always dangerous for democracy. In a democracy, different social groups can express their needs, interests and demands. This can help disadvantaged groups gain dignity, representation and rights. However, social divisions become dangerous when they are used for hatred, domination, discrimination or violence.
No. Social divisions are not always dangerous for democracy. In a democracy, different social groups can express their needs, interests and demands. This can help disadvantaged groups gain dignity, representation and rights. However, social divisions become dangerous when they are used for hatred, domination, discrimination or violence.
Gender and Politics
Concept 1Gender Division
What is gender division?
Answer:
Gender division is a form of hierarchical social division based on socially created roles for men and women. It is not based only on biological differences. Society often assigns housework and childcare to women and public work or paid work to men. This creates inequality and limits women’s participation in public life and politics.
Gender division is a form of hierarchical social division based on socially created roles for men and women. It is not based only on biological differences. Society often assigns housework and childcare to women and public work or paid work to men. This creates inequality and limits women’s participation in public life and politics.
Concept 2Sexual Division of Labour
What is sexual division of labour?
Answer:
Sexual division of labour is a system in which household work such as cooking, cleaning, washing, fetching water, looking after children and caring for elders is mainly done by women or organised by women through domestic helpers. Men usually do work outside the home. This division is social, not natural.
Sexual division of labour is a system in which household work such as cooking, cleaning, washing, fetching water, looking after children and caring for elders is mainly done by women or organised by women through domestic helpers. Men usually do work outside the home. This division is social, not natural.
Concept 3Patriarchy
What is patriarchy?
Answer:
Patriarchy literally means rule by the father. In social science, it refers to a system that values men more than women and gives men greater power, authority and control in family, society, economy and politics.
Patriarchy literally means rule by the father. In social science, it refers to a system that values men more than women and gives men greater power, authority and control in family, society, economy and politics.
TopicWomen’s Representation
Why is women’s political representation important?
Answer:
Women’s political representation is important because women’s problems often do not get enough attention unless women participate in decision-making. More women representatives can raise issues related to education, health, safety, equal wages, domestic violence, childcare and dignity. Panchayati Raj institutions have reserved one-third of seats for women, creating more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in local bodies. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 provides 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Delhi Assembly.
Women’s political representation is important because women’s problems often do not get enough attention unless women participate in decision-making. More women representatives can raise issues related to education, health, safety, equal wages, domestic violence, childcare and dignity. Panchayati Raj institutions have reserved one-third of seats for women, creating more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in local bodies. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 provides 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Delhi Assembly.
Religion, Communalism and Politics
Concept 4Communalism
What is communalism?
Answer:
Communalism is the belief that religion is the principal basis of social community. It assumes that people belonging to the same religion have the same interests and that people of different religions cannot live together as equal citizens. Communal politics becomes dangerous when one religion is presented as superior, or when state power is used to dominate other religious groups.
Communalism is the belief that religion is the principal basis of social community. It assumes that people belonging to the same religion have the same interests and that people of different religions cannot live together as equal citizens. Communal politics becomes dangerous when one religion is presented as superior, or when state power is used to dominate other religious groups.
FormsCommunal Politics
Forms of communalism in politics.
| Form of Communalism | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday beliefs | Religious prejudices, stereotypes and belief in superiority of one religion. | Making insulting generalisations about another religious community. |
| Quest for political dominance | Demand that one religious community should dominate politics. | Majoritarian dominance or demand for separate political units. |
| Political mobilisation on religious lines | Use of religious symbols, leaders, fear and emotional appeals in politics. | Appealing to voters only on the basis of religion. |
| Communal violence | Riots, massacres and violence between religious communities. | Communal riots during Partition and after Independence. |
SecularismIndian Constitution
How does the Indian Constitution make India a secular state?
Answer:
India is a secular state because:
1. There is no official religion for the Indian State.
2. The Constitution gives all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practise and propagate any religion, or not to follow any religion.
3. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.
4. The State can intervene in religious matters to ensure equality within religious communities, for example, by banning untouchability.
India is a secular state because:
1. There is no official religion for the Indian State.
2. The Constitution gives all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practise and propagate any religion, or not to follow any religion.
3. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.
4. The State can intervene in religious matters to ensure equality within religious communities, for example, by banning untouchability.
Caste and Politics
Concept 5Caste Inequality
What is caste inequality?
Answer:
Caste inequality refers to discrimination, exclusion and hierarchy based on caste. In the traditional caste system, occupations were hereditary and sanctioned by rituals. Members of the same caste were expected to marry within the caste and avoid close social relations with other castes. The caste system also involved discrimination against so-called “outcaste” groups through untouchability and denial of access to education, land and resources.
Caste inequality refers to discrimination, exclusion and hierarchy based on caste. In the traditional caste system, occupations were hereditary and sanctioned by rituals. Members of the same caste were expected to marry within the caste and avoid close social relations with other castes. The caste system also involved discrimination against so-called “outcaste” groups through untouchability and denial of access to education, land and resources.
Concept 6Casteism
What is casteism?
Answer:
Casteism is the belief that caste is the sole basis of social community. It assumes that people of the same caste have the same interests and that caste identity should determine social and political behaviour. This is wrong because people have many identities, and caste is only one aspect of social life.
Casteism is the belief that caste is the sole basis of social community. It assumes that people of the same caste have the same interests and that caste identity should determine social and political behaviour. This is wrong because people have many identities, and caste is only one aspect of social life.
Caste in PoliticsPositive and Negative
How does caste influence politics?
Answer:
| Role of Caste in Politics | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Candidate selection | Political parties consider caste composition of constituencies while choosing candidates. |
| Electoral appeals | Parties and candidates sometimes appeal to caste sentiments to get votes. |
| Representation | Governments and parties try to include representatives of different castes and tribes. |
| Social justice | Disadvantaged castes use politics to demand dignity, representation, land, resources and opportunities. |
| Negative effect | Politics based only on caste identity can divert attention from poverty, development and corruption, and may create conflict. |
In-text Questions and Activities
ITQ 1Ideal Woman
Discuss perceptions of an ideal woman that prevail in society. Do you agree with any of these?
Suggested Answer:
Many people wrongly think that an ideal woman should be quiet, obedient, caring, good at household work and responsible for children. I do not agree with such narrow views. An ideal woman, like an ideal man, should be free to choose her education, career, lifestyle and public role. She should be treated with equal respect, freedom and opportunity.
Many people wrongly think that an ideal woman should be quiet, obedient, caring, good at household work and responsible for children. I do not agree with such narrow views. An ideal woman, like an ideal man, should be free to choose her education, career, lifestyle and public role. She should be treated with equal respect, freedom and opportunity.
ITQ 2Household Work
Why are we discussing household work in Political Science?
Answer:
Household work is discussed in Political Science because it reflects power relations within the family and society. If women are expected to do unpaid household work and men dominate decision-making, then gender inequality exists. Politics is not only about government; it is also about power, equality and rights in society.
Household work is discussed in Political Science because it reflects power relations within the family and society. If women are expected to do unpaid household work and men dominate decision-making, then gender inequality exists. Politics is not only about government; it is also about power, equality and rights in society.
ITQ 3Time Use Survey
Conduct a time use survey in your household. Do women work more in your family as well?
Suggested Answer:
A time use survey can record time spent by adult men and women on income-generating work, household work, recreation, self-care and rest. In many families, women work more overall because they do both paid work and unpaid household work. However, unpaid household work is often not recognised as “work” because it does not directly generate income.
A time use survey can record time spent by adult men and women on income-generating work, household work, recreation, self-care and rest. In many families, women work more overall because they do both paid work and unpaid household work. However, unpaid household work is often not recognised as “work” because it does not directly generate income.
ITQ 4Women’s Representation
Could you think of some reasons why women’s representation is low in India?
Answer:
Women’s representation is low because of patriarchy, lack of equal access to education and resources, social restrictions, unsafe public spaces, family responsibilities, fewer opportunities in political parties, and the belief that politics is a male domain. Money and muscle power in elections also create barriers for women candidates.
Women’s representation is low because of patriarchy, lack of equal access to education and resources, social restrictions, unsafe public spaces, family responsibilities, fewer opportunities in political parties, and the belief that politics is a male domain. Money and muscle power in elections also create barriers for women candidates.
ITQ 5Feminism
If casteism and communalism are bad, what makes feminism a good thing?
Answer:
Feminism is different from casteism and communalism. Casteism and communalism try to divide society and promote superiority or domination of one group. Feminism demands equal rights and opportunities for women and men. It challenges inequality and discrimination, so it strengthens democracy rather than weakening it.
Feminism is different from casteism and communalism. Casteism and communalism try to divide society and promote superiority or domination of one group. Feminism demands equal rights and opportunities for women and men. It challenges inequality and discrimination, so it strengthens democracy rather than weakening it.
ITQ 6Communalism
If someone cracks jokes about people from one religion, does that make the person communal?
Answer:
Such jokes can reflect communal prejudice if they insult, stereotype or demean a religious community. A single careless joke may not make someone a committed communal person, but normalising such jokes encourages discrimination. Respect for all religions is necessary in a secular democracy.
Such jokes can reflect communal prejudice if they insult, stereotype or demean a religious community. A single careless joke may not make someone a committed communal person, but normalising such jokes encourages discrimination. Respect for all religions is necessary in a secular democracy.
ITQ 7Vote Banks
Do you think political leaders are right to treat people belonging to a caste as “vote banks”?
Answer:
No. Treating a caste as a “vote bank” is wrong because people of the same caste do not have identical interests. They may differ by class, gender, region, occupation and political opinion. Voters should be treated as citizens with independent judgment, not as fixed caste groups.
No. Treating a caste as a “vote bank” is wrong because people of the same caste do not have identical interests. They may differ by class, gender, region, occupation and political opinion. Voters should be treated as citizens with independent judgment, not as fixed caste groups.
Exercises – NCERT Questions
1Short Answer
Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
Answer:
Women are discriminated against in many aspects of life:
1. Education: Female literacy is lower than male literacy, and many girls drop out of higher studies.
2. Employment: Women are fewer in highly paid and valued jobs.
3. Wages: Women are often paid less than men for the same work.
4. Household work: Women do unpaid household work that is not valued.
5. Child sex ratio: Preference for sons has led to sex-selective abortion.
6. Violence: Women face harassment, domestic violence and insecurity in public spaces.
Women are discriminated against in many aspects of life:
1. Education: Female literacy is lower than male literacy, and many girls drop out of higher studies.
2. Employment: Women are fewer in highly paid and valued jobs.
3. Wages: Women are often paid less than men for the same work.
4. Household work: Women do unpaid household work that is not valued.
5. Child sex ratio: Preference for sons has led to sex-selective abortion.
6. Violence: Women face harassment, domestic violence and insecurity in public spaces.
2Long Answer
State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
Answer:
Communal politics takes different forms:
1. Everyday communal beliefs: This includes religious prejudices, stereotypes and belief in the superiority of one religion. Example: saying that one religious community is naturally more patriotic than another.
2. Quest for political dominance: A religious majority may seek majoritarian dominance, or a minority may demand a separate political unit. Example: demanding political privileges only for one religious community.
3. Political mobilisation on religious lines: Political parties may use religious symbols, leaders or fear to gather votes. Example: appealing to voters only as members of one religion.
4. Communal violence: Communalism may lead to riots and massacres. Example: communal riots during Partition and after Independence.
Communal politics takes different forms:
1. Everyday communal beliefs: This includes religious prejudices, stereotypes and belief in the superiority of one religion. Example: saying that one religious community is naturally more patriotic than another.
2. Quest for political dominance: A religious majority may seek majoritarian dominance, or a minority may demand a separate political unit. Example: demanding political privileges only for one religious community.
3. Political mobilisation on religious lines: Political parties may use religious symbols, leaders or fear to gather votes. Example: appealing to voters only as members of one religion.
4. Communal violence: Communalism may lead to riots and massacres. Example: communal riots during Partition and after Independence.
3Short Answer
State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
Answer:
Caste inequalities still continue in India in several ways. Most people still marry within their caste or tribe. Untouchability has not completely ended despite constitutional prohibition. The effects of historical advantages and disadvantages continue in education, employment and income. Upper castes are over-represented among the rich and urban middle classes, while Dalits, Adivasis and many backward classes remain poorer and have less access to resources and opportunities.
Caste inequalities still continue in India in several ways. Most people still marry within their caste or tribe. Untouchability has not completely ended despite constitutional prohibition. The effects of historical advantages and disadvantages continue in education, employment and income. Upper castes are over-represented among the rich and urban middle classes, while Dalits, Adivasis and many backward classes remain poorer and have less access to resources and opportunities.
4Short Answer
State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
Answer:
Caste alone cannot determine election results because:
1. No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of one single caste, so parties need support from many castes and communities.
2. No party gets all the votes of a single caste. Voters also consider party loyalty, candidate performance, government performance, leadership, economic condition and local issues.
Therefore, caste matters in elections, but it is not the only factor.
Caste alone cannot determine election results because:
1. No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of one single caste, so parties need support from many castes and communities.
2. No party gets all the votes of a single caste. Voters also consider party loyalty, candidate performance, government performance, leadership, economic condition and local issues.
Therefore, caste matters in elections, but it is not the only factor.
5Short Answer
What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
Answer:
Women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies has been low. The share of women in the Lok Sabha has improved but remains much lower than men. Their share in State Assemblies has also been very low. In local governments, one-third of seats are reserved for women, which has created more than 10 lakh elected women representatives. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 provides 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Delhi Assembly.
Women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies has been low. The share of women in the Lok Sabha has improved but remains much lower than men. Their share in State Assemblies has also been very low. In local governments, one-third of seats are reserved for women, which has created more than 10 lakh elected women representatives. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 provides 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Delhi Assembly.
6Short Answer
Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
Answer:
Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are:
1. The Indian State has no official religion. The Constitution does not give special status to any religion.
2. The Constitution gives all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practise and propagate any religion, or not to follow any religion.
It also prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion and allows the State to intervene to ensure equality within religious communities.
Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are:
1. The Indian State has no official religion. The Constitution does not give special status to any religion.
2. The Constitution gives all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practise and propagate any religion, or not to follow any religion.
It also prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion and allows the State to intervene to ensure equality within religious communities.
Exercises – Multiple Choice Questions
7MCQ
When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:
(a) Biological difference between men and women
(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women
(c) Unequal child sex ratio
(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies
(a) Biological difference between men and women
(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women
(c) Unequal child sex ratio
(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies
Answer: (b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women
Explanation: Gender division refers to socially constructed roles and inequalities, not merely biological differences.
Explanation: Gender division refers to socially constructed roles and inequalities, not merely biological differences.
8MCQ
In India seats are reserved for women in:
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) State legislative assemblies
(c) Cabinets
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) State legislative assemblies
(c) Cabinets
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies
Answer: (d) Panchayati Raj bodies
Explanation: One-third of seats in local government bodies — Panchayats and Municipalities — are reserved for women.
Explanation: One-third of seats in local government bodies — Panchayats and Municipalities — are reserved for women.
9MCQ
Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal politics is based on the belief that:
A. One religion is superior to that of others.
B. People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.
C. Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.
D. State power cannot be used to establish the domination of one religious group over others.
Which of the statements are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) A and C
(d) B and D
A. One religion is superior to that of others.
B. People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.
C. Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.
D. State power cannot be used to establish the domination of one religious group over others.
Which of the statements are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) A and C
(d) B and D
Answer: (c) A and C
Explanation: Communal politics is based on the belief that one religion is superior and that followers of one religion form one political community. Statements B and D are secular democratic ideas, not communal ideas.
Explanation: Communal politics is based on the belief that one religion is superior and that followers of one religion form one political community. Statements B and D are secular democratic ideas, not communal ideas.
10MCQ
Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong? It:
(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(b) gives official status to one religion.
(c) provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion.
(d) ensures equality of citizens within religious communities.
(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(b) gives official status to one religion.
(c) provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion.
(d) ensures equality of citizens within religious communities.
Answer: (b) gives official status to one religion
Explanation: India is a secular state. The Constitution does not give official status to any one religion.
Explanation: India is a secular state. The Constitution does not give official status to any one religion.
Exercises – Fill and Match
11Fill in the Blank
Social divisions based on _________ are peculiar to India.
Answer: Caste
Complete sentence: Social divisions based on caste are peculiar to India.
Complete sentence: Social divisions based on caste are peculiar to India.
12Matching
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer.
Answer: (b) B A D C
| List I | Correct Match |
|---|---|
| A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men | B. Feminist |
| A person who says that religion is the principal basis of community | A. Communalist |
| A person who thinks that caste is the principal basis of community | D. Castiest |
| A person who does not discriminate others on the basis of religious beliefs | C. Secularist |
Important Topics
Topic 1Feminist Movement
What is the feminist movement?
Answer:
The feminist movement is a movement for equal rights and opportunities for women and men. It raised issues such as voting rights, education, employment, equal wages, dignity, safety, family equality and political representation. It helped bring gender inequality into the political domain.
The feminist movement is a movement for equal rights and opportunities for women and men. It raised issues such as voting rights, education, employment, equal wages, dignity, safety, family equality and political representation. It helped bring gender inequality into the political domain.
Topic 2Women’s Disadvantage
Main reasons for women’s disadvantage in India.
| Area | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Education | Lower female literacy and higher dropout rate among girls. |
| Work | Women’s unpaid household work is not recognised or valued. |
| Wages | Women are often paid less than men for equal work. |
| Political power | Women’s representation in legislatures has historically been low. |
| Safety | Women face harassment, exploitation and violence. |
| Birth discrimination | Preference for sons has contributed to a low child sex ratio. |
Topic 3Religion in Politics
Is every relationship between religion and politics wrong?
Answer:
No. Every relationship between religion and politics is not wrong. Gandhiji believed that politics should be guided by moral values drawn from religion. Human rights groups may demand protection of religious minorities. Women’s movements may demand reform of discriminatory family laws. Such political actions are acceptable if they treat all religions equally and promote justice, not domination.
No. Every relationship between religion and politics is not wrong. Gandhiji believed that politics should be guided by moral values drawn from religion. Human rights groups may demand protection of religious minorities. Women’s movements may demand reform of discriminatory family laws. Such political actions are acceptable if they treat all religions equally and promote justice, not domination.
Topic 4Caste Inequality Today
Why has caste not disappeared from modern India?
Answer:
Caste has not disappeared because many people still marry within their caste, caste networks continue in social life, and historical advantages and disadvantages still affect education, income, occupation and access to resources. Although caste hierarchy has weakened due to education, urbanisation, occupational mobility and constitutional provisions, caste continues to influence economic and political life.
Caste has not disappeared because many people still marry within their caste, caste networks continue in social life, and historical advantages and disadvantages still affect education, income, occupation and access to resources. Although caste hierarchy has weakened due to education, urbanisation, occupational mobility and constitutional provisions, caste continues to influence economic and political life.
Topic 5Politics in Caste
How does politics influence caste?
Answer:
Politics influences caste by bringing caste identities into the political arena. Caste groups try to become larger by including neighbouring castes and sub-castes. Different caste groups form coalitions with other communities. New political categories such as “backward” and “forward” castes emerge. Politics can also help disadvantaged castes demand dignity, representation, resources and opportunities.
Politics influences caste by bringing caste identities into the political arena. Caste groups try to become larger by including neighbouring castes and sub-castes. Different caste groups form coalitions with other communities. New political categories such as “backward” and “forward” castes emerge. Politics can also help disadvantaged castes demand dignity, representation, resources and opportunities.
Activity Answers
Activity 1Child Sex Ratio Map
Identify states with low child sex ratio and explain the issue.
Suggested Answer:
States with low child sex ratio have fewer girls compared to boys in the 0–6 age group. This reflects discrimination against girls, preference for sons and sex-selective abortion. The map and posters on this issue show that gender discrimination begins even before birth. To solve this, society must value girls equally, enforce laws against sex-selective abortion and provide equal education and opportunities.
States with low child sex ratio have fewer girls compared to boys in the 0–6 age group. This reflects discrimination against girls, preference for sons and sex-selective abortion. The map and posters on this issue show that gender discrimination begins even before birth. To solve this, society must value girls equally, enforce laws against sex-selective abortion and provide equal education and opportunities.
Activity 2Caste Survey
Find out whether caste still influences marriage, occupation and politics in your locality.
Suggested Answer:
A local survey may show that caste still influences marriage choices, social networks and sometimes political preferences. However, caste influence on occupation is weaker than before because education, urbanisation and occupational mobility allow people to choose new professions. Politics may still use caste identities, but voters also consider development, party performance, leadership and local issues.
A local survey may show that caste still influences marriage choices, social networks and sometimes political preferences. However, caste influence on occupation is weaker than before because education, urbanisation and occupational mobility allow people to choose new professions. Politics may still use caste identities, but voters also consider development, party performance, leadership and local issues.
Key Terms
GlossaryImportant Terms
Important terms from the chapter.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gender Division | Social division based on unequal roles assigned to men and women. |
| Sexual Division of Labour | System in which household work is mainly done or organised by women. |
| Feminist | A woman or man who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men. |
| Feminist Movement | Movement demanding equality between women and men in public and private life. |
| Patriarchy | A system that values men more and gives them power over women. |
| Equal Remuneration | Equal wages for equal work, regardless of gender. |
| Child Sex Ratio | Number of girl children per thousand boys in the 0–6 age group. |
| Communalism | Belief that religion is the principal basis of social community. |
| Communal Politics | Use of religion in politics in exclusive, partisan or divisive ways. |
| Secular State | A state that has no official religion and treats all religions equally. |
| Family Laws | Laws related to marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance. |
| Caste System | Social hierarchy based on hereditary occupations and ritual status. |
| Untouchability | Inhuman practice of excluding and discriminating against certain caste groups. |
| Casteism | Belief that caste is the principal basis of social community. |
| Caste Hierarchy | Ladder-like ranking of caste groups from high to low. |
| Urbanisation | Shift of population from rural areas to urban areas. |
| Occupational Mobility | Shift from one occupation to another, often across generations. |
| Vote Bank | A social group believed to vote largely for one party or candidate. |
| Scheduled Castes | Castes listed in the Constitution that were historically subjected to exclusion and untouchability. |
| Scheduled Tribes | Tribal communities listed in the Constitution, often historically living in hills and forests. |
| Other Backward Classes | Socially and educationally backward communities identified for affirmative action. |
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