In India, formation of caste associations and caste based political parties indicate:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Secularisation of caste
Option (1) Communalisation of caste — Incorrect. Communalism is aggressive chauvinism based on religious identity, an aggressive political ideology linked to religion. Caste associations press the state for the demands of a caste; they are not religious groups set against other religions.
Option (2) Secularisation of caste — Correct. In traditional India caste worked within a religious framework, with beliefs of purity and pollution at its centre. Today it often functions as a political pressure group: caste associations and caste-based political parties press their demands upon the state. This changed role of caste, from religious to political, is called the secularisation of caste.
Option (3) Popularisation of caste — Incorrect. The change described is in the role caste plays, from a religious order to a political pressure group, not in caste becoming more popular.
Option (4) Regionalisation of caste — Incorrect. Regionalism concerns loyalty to a region, its language and culture. Caste associations organise people by caste and make demands on the state, which is a different matter.
NCERT (2025-26): “Secularisation … There has also been considerable debate about what is seen by some as secularisation of caste. What does this mean? 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 based political parties. They seek to press upon the state their demands. Such a changed role of caste has been described as secularisation of caste. The box below illustrates this process.…” |