Notes on Lecture about Caste System and Racial Hierarchies

Introduction

• Ruby Bridges escorted to an all-white school in Louisiana, facing threats from a mob.
• Comparison to a girl named Punchi in India facing similar caste discrimination.
• Discussion of systemic dehumanization and hierarchies benefiting only a few.

Historical Context

• Caste system as a topic of misinformation; needs historical context.
• Caste discrimination erroneously labeled as a colonial invention.
• Examination of the impact of colonialism on caste dynamics.

Caste vs. Race

• Racism against Indians often conflates caste with race.
• The caste system's origins and its ties to power structures and social hierarchies.
• Discussion of how narratives of biological essentialism justify caste practices.

Ambedkar’s Perspective

• Ambedkar's distinction: "Caste is not a division of labor but a division of laborers."
• The interaction of race and caste with economic systems discussed by scholars.
• Historical revisionism surrounding caste, especially in the context of Hindutva.

The Role of Brahmins

• Brahminical supremacy and the codification of caste into written law (Manusmriti).
• The transition from ancestor worship to caste-based identification.
• Temple-centric systems led to economic control and caste stratification.

Caste System in Kerala

• Overview of ancient Kerala's social structure and its evolution.
• The influence of Buddhism and Jainism on the local culture.
• The arrival of Brahmins and the establishment of caste hierarchies.

Caste and Colonialism

• British colonial policies reinforced caste divisions for control.
• The caste census introduced by the British heightened awareness of social stratification.

Anti-Caste Movements

• Emergence of social reformers in Kerala challenging caste norms (Aali, SRI Nuru, Po Yanan).
• Militant agitations led by Aali for the right to public spaces and education.
• Narayana Guru's efforts to promote education and inter-caste acceptance.

Modern Implications of Caste

• Caste as a systemic issue perpetuated over generations.
• Intersection of caste dynamics with modern capitalism and social hierarchies.
• Need for awareness and resistance against the internalization of caste biases.

Conclusion

• The caste system is a complex interplay of history, power, and identity.
• Emphasis on the need for solidarity among marginalized communities to dismantle caste.
• Call for continued education and activism to address caste discrimination.