The Indian Caste System: its history, development, and effect on the Indian people

Emily Renie Junior Division Individual website

The idea for my topic first began to form after I read the novel Nectar in the Sieve. It is about the life of a low caste woman name Rukmani and how she struggles to provide for her family in the midst of hardships and poverty. This book was very eye-opening and caused me to want to know more about the lives of rural Indians. As I researched online about the discrimination and prejudice the Dalits and low caste members were faced with, I knew I wanted to write about this topic. As I mentioned earlier, my research began with the internet. I searched high and low for topics on the caste system that pertained to todays society. I found many great articles on how the caste system has developed over time and how it has affected the Indian people from 200 AD until 2013. I then went to my local library and found useful books on Hinduism and how it contributed to the creation of the caste system. Lastly, I needed primary sources. I first went to my dad because he works with people from all over the world. He was able to connect me to Joseph Dsouza, president on the Dalit Freedom Network. Dsouzas interview contributed a lot to by website because he had so much knowledge and experience working with the lower caste citizens. In the end, I decided to make a website so that I could creatively display my work and organize my content into specific sections on my website. First of all, I wrote an outline of what I wanted and needed to include on my website. I then created my pages and wrote in my content. After that, I edited my information and added pictures, videos, and other graphics to make my website more interactive and appealing. I believe my topic is closely related to the NHD theme because the caste system restricts the rights of the lower caste members by keeping them in social bondage and by holding them responsible to complete menial jobs that do not allow them to provide a better life for themselves. Yes, the caste system itself has been abolished, but its influence still rules the lives of many lower caste members. The Indians Hindu scriptures say that it is the duty of the Kshatriyas to protect their subjects and bring justice to society. However, they have tossed aside their responsibilities and used their power to oppress the lower castes. No one is equal in Indias society and freedom of choice is a privilege that only the upper caste members possess when it should be a right given to all members of Indias society.