In traditional India, caste system operated within a religious framework. Belief systems of purity and pollution were central to its practice. Today, it often functions as political pressure groups. This change in the functioning of caste system is called:

Secularisation of Caste

In traditional India caste system operated within a religious framework. Belief systems of purity and pollution were central to its practice. Today it often functions as political pressure groups. Contemporary India has seen such formation of caste associations and caste political parties. They seek to press upon the state their demands. Such a changed role of caste has been described as secularisation of caste.