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RESERVATION – THE UNTOLD TRUTH OF EXISTENCE

  • Unique Paper ID: 171859
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 8
  • PageNo: 1270-1283
  • Abstract:
  • The discussion on reservations in India is deeply rooted in the history of the caste system, which has evolved since ancient times. The caste system is primarily derived from the concept of "Varna," categorizing society into different classes based on occupation and duty. The four main Varnas are Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders and agriculturists), and Shudras (labourers and service providers). Over time, the rigid application of these classifications led to a complex social hierarchy, giving rise to numerous castes and sub-castes, which are now addressed through caste-based reservations. Historically, the Shudras were subjugated and not allowed to engage in education or religious practices, positioning them as the lowest in the caste hierarchy. The reservation policy began during British rule in 1882, initiated primarily as a response to social injustices and the need for representation. Early efforts, such as those by Jyotirao Phule, aimed at including lower castes in the political and educational landscape. By 1902, the progressive Raja Shahu of Kolhapur began a reservation system for government jobs and education for backward classes, marking a critical step in recognizing the rights of marginalized communities. However, the introduction of reservations was not without complications. They were intended to serve as temporary measures to uplift backward communities, but over time, the political landscape transformed them into tools of vote bank politics. The introduction of the 'Communal Award' in 1932 by the British, which proposed separate electorates for the depressed classes, stirred discontent and debate. This led to the Poona Pact, negotiated between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, which aimed for a unified representation instead of divided electorates. Overall, the landscape of reservations in India remains complex. The historical context of caste-based classification continues to fuel discussions about equality, representation, and social justice today. While the original aim was to uplift marginalized communities, the resultant dynamics reveal deeper issues related to identity, heritage, and the long-standing effects of systemic inequality. The challenge lies in creating a framework that effectively addresses these disparities without perpetuating the legacies of division that have characterized Indian society for centuries.
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Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 8
  • PageNo: 1270-1283

RESERVATION – THE UNTOLD TRUTH OF EXISTENCE

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