Indian independence in 1947 marked a big, but ultimately only partial break with the colonial past. Caste considerations had inevitably played a role in the mass mobilisations of the nationalist movement. Efforts to organise the “depressed classes” and particularly the untouchable castes predated the nationalist movement, having begun in the second half of the nineteenth century. This was an initiative taken from both ends of the caste spectrum – by upper caste progressive reformers as well as by members of the lower castes such as Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar in western India, Ayyankali, Sri Narayana Guru, Iyotheedass and Periyar (E.V. Ramaswamy Naickar) in the South. Both Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar began organising protests against untouchability from the 1920s onwards. Anti-untouchability programmes became a significant part of the 40 Congress agenda so that, by the time Independence was on the horizon, there was a broad agreement across the spectrum of the nationalist movement to abolish caste distinctions. The dominant view in the nationalist movement was to treat caste as a social evil and as a colonial ploy to divide Indians. But the nationalist leaders, above all, Mahatma Gandhi, were able to simultaneously work for the upliftment of the lower castes, advocate the abolition of untouchability and other caste restrictions, and, at the same time, reassure the landowning upper castes that their interests, too, would be looked after.

Caste has proved strongest in which of the following sphere in post independent India?

Cultural Sphere

The correct answer is Option 2: Cultural Sphere.

Option 1: Government Sphere. Incorrect. The post-Independence state constitutionally committed itself to abolishing caste discrimination and adopted a caste-blind approach in most government appointments, except for reservations. Therefore, the government sphere was not where caste proved to be the strongest.

Option 2: Cultural Sphere. Correct. Caste remained strongest in the cultural and domestic spheres, particularly in matters relating to marriage. Endogamy continued to be widely practised, and most marriages still took place within caste boundaries despite increasing social change.

Option 3: Economic Sphere. Incorrect. Although caste continued to influence recruitment through caste and kinship networks, modern industry also created new occupations that weakened the traditional relationship between caste and occupation. Hence, the economic sphere was not where caste remained strongest.

Option 4: Educational Sphere. Incorrect. Modern education promoted liberal values such as individualism and meritocracy, encouraging many educated Indians to move away from extreme caste practices. Therefore, the educational sphere cannot be regarded as the area where caste proved strongest.

NCERT: "Not surprisingly, it was in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved strongest. Endogamy, or the practice of marrying within the caste, remained largely unaffected by modernisation and change. Even today, most marriages take place within caste boundaries, although there are more intercaste marriages. While some boundaries may have become more flexible or porous, the borders between groups of castes of similar socio-economic status are still heavily patrolled.  '