HOW HINDUISM’S SOCIAL HIERARCHY UNDERMINES HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE

Abstract

The caste system in Hinduism is one of the oldest known forms of social stratification, historically dividing society into four main varnas: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers). Outside this system are Dalits ("untouchables"), who were historically excluded from society and assigned "polluting" tasks like manual scavenging, leather work, and cremation.Although India’s Constitution outlawed caste-based discrimination in 1950 (Article 15, Article 17), in practice caste hierarchies remain deeply embedded in society, particularly in rural areas and even in urban institutions.Dalits and Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up approximately 16–17% of India’s population, yet face widespread discrimination in access to education, healthcare, employment, and justice.