Caste's Enduring Grip: From Ancient Roots to Modern India

India, a land of ancient wisdom and vibrant diversity, grapples with a profound paradox: the enduring shadow of the caste system. Far more than a mere social hierarchy, it is a deeply ingrained power structure, meticulously crafted over millennia, whose unequal representation permeates every facet of Indian society even today. To truly understand its pervasive influence, we must journey back, examining not just the spiritual ideals, but the foundational texts and historical processes that forged this colossal system of inequality. India's Diverse Spiritual Landscape: Before and Alongside the Vedas To truly grasp the context of the caste system's formation, it's essential to recognize the rich spiritual tapestry that existed in the Indian subcontinent long before, and alongside, the widespread influence of Vedic religion. Indigenous tribal religions, deeply rooted in local customs and nature worship, were prevalent across the land, with deities like Murugan, Amman, and Kali ...