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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2025/Paper II/Indian Society, Caste & Civilization
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2025 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Caste Domination, Factionalism and Political Power — 2025 Paper II

Question · 2025 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Caste domination, factionalism and political power

Model Answer

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Introduction

Caste in India is not merely a ritual hierarchy; it is also a basis of economic control, political mobilisation and leadership. M.N. Srinivas (1959) used the concept of the dominant caste to explain how numerical strength, landownership, education and political influence may outweigh ritual rank in determining local power. Rajni Kothari (1970) similarly argued that democracy did not eliminate caste; it led to the politicisation of caste.

Caste Domination

A dominant caste generally possesses:

  • numerical strength;
  • control over land and economic resources;
  • access to education and administration;
  • political organisation and leadership;
  • a relatively high local status.

Such castes may control panchayats, credit, employment, irrigation and access to welfare benefits. Jats, Marathas, Reddys and Vokkaligas illustrate how agrarian strength can be converted into regional political influence.

Factionalism

A faction is an informal, leader-centred and shifting political group formed around competition for office, prestige and resources. Factions may arise:

  • between rival leaders within the same caste;
  • between competing caste blocs;
  • around kinship, land or party loyalties.

F.G. Bailey’s study of Bisipara showed that caste rank alone cannot explain political behaviour. Economic interests, strategic alliances and personal leadership often cut across caste boundaries.

Caste, Factions and Political Power

Caste supplies ready-made networks, identity and voters, while factions convert them into organised political action. Patron–client relations may link dominant-caste leaders with dependent labourers and lower castes through jobs, protection and access to state resources.

However, caste and faction are not identical. A single caste may split into hostile factions, while a faction may unite several castes. Political parties aggregate such groups into wider electoral coalitions.

André Béteille’s Caste, Class and Power (1965) showed that ritual status, economic class and political power may overlap but need not coincide. Democratic politics, reservations and Dalit–OBC movements have also enabled subordinate groups to challenge traditional dominance.

Critical Assessment

The dominant-caste approach may exaggerate caste unity and overlook internal differences of class, gender, lineage and generation. Factional competition may widen participation, but it can also encourage patronage, violence and unequal distribution of public resources.

Conclusion

Caste provides the social base of political mobilisation, factionalism organises competition, and political institutions convert social strength into authority. Their interaction shows both continuity of traditional hierarchy and democratisation through new forms of bargaining and resistance.

2026 What are the major debates related to the concept of jajmani system? 2026 Does caste as a social category exist among the non-Hindu communities in India? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 2025 Characteristics and communication between Little and Great Traditions 2025 Delineate the major features of S. S. Sarkar's classification of Indian populations. Was his classification better than Risley? Explain.

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