Caste Alliances Emanate from Secular and Political Factors and Do Not Spring from Primordial Identities Discuss

India is a country with a very complex social structure. One of the most important features of Indian society is the caste system. For thousands of years, people have been divided into different castes and sub-castes, each having its own position, traditions, and customs. Because of this, caste has always played a big role in social, cultural, and political life.

When we look at Indian politics today, we often see alliances, coalitions, and groupings being made on the basis of caste. At first sight, it may appear that these caste alliances come naturally from old, unchanging, or “primordial” identities. Primordial identity means something that is fixed, deeply rooted, and based on birth, like language, religion, or caste. But a deeper study shows that this is not fully true. In reality, caste alliances in politics emerge mostly because of secular and political reasons, not just because of old traditions. why caste alliances are formed, what factors drive them, and why they are more political than primordial in nature.

Caste in Indian Society

Caste in India is a social division based on birth. Traditionally, society was divided into four main varnas:

1.Brahmins – priests and scholars.

2.Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors.

3.Vaishyas – traders and agriculturists.

4.Shudras – laborers and service providers.

Apart from these, there are many sub-castes (jatis), and also communities that were considered “outcastes” or “Dalits.”

In earlier times, caste decided every aspect of life: what work one could do, who one could marry, what food one could eat, and even where one could live. This created rigid social boundaries.

But with modernization, education, industrialization, and democracy, the rigidity of caste has reduced. Today, caste is less about tradition and more about social and political identity.

Primordial View of Caste Alliances

The primordial view suggests that caste alliances are natural, emotional, and fixed. According to this view:

• People support their caste members because of a sense of belonging.
• Identity comes from birth and cannot be changed.
• Caste loyalty is strong and does not need explanation.

For example, if a candidate belongs to a particular caste, people of the same caste may feel emotionally attached and vote for them. This may look like caste alliances are purely primordial.

However, the picture is not so simple.

The Secular and Political Nature of Caste Alliances

When we analyze closely, caste alliances are not just about old bonds but are shaped by political needs, power struggles, and secular demands. Let us see why.

1. Search for Political Power

• In a democracy, numbers matter. A political party cannot win unless it gets majority support.
• No single caste forms a majority in most states. So, parties need alliances with other castes.
• These alliances are based on calculation, negotiation, and compromise, not on natural unity.

For example, in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party has often allied with Yadavs and Muslims. The Bahujan Samaj Party has tried to unite Dalits with Brahmins or other castes. These are not natural bonds but political strategies.

2. Economic and Social Interests

• Caste groups also make alliances to get economic benefits, government jobs, and reservations.
• Leaders mobilize people by promising resources, not just by reminding them of traditions.

For instance, when certain communities demand reservation, they sometimes join with other backward communities to strengthen their case.

3. Changing Identities

• Caste is not unchanging. People can redefine their identity depending on political needs.
• Sometimes, smaller jatis combine to present themselves as a larger group (e.g., OBCs, Dalits).
• Sometimes, communities project themselves as descendants of higher castes to gain respect.

This shows that caste identity is flexible and shaped by politics.

4. Role of Leaders and Parties

• Caste alliances are often created by leaders for electoral gains.
• Political parties target specific caste groups, give tickets to candidates from those castes, and promise welfare schemes.
• This proves alliances are not just emotional but guided by leadership strategies.

5. Regional Variations

• In different states, caste politics works differently.
• In Tamil Nadu, alliances are built around Dravidian identity and backward castes.
• In Bihar, the Yadavs, Kurmis, and Dalits are mobilized differently than in Maharashtra, where Marathas dominate.
• This shows caste alliances are context-based, not primordial.

Examples from Indian Politics

1.Mandal Politics – In the 1990s, after the Mandal Commission report, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) emerged as a strong political category. Different jatis that earlier had little in common came together for reservations. This was a political alliance, not a natural identity.

2.Dalit-Brahmin Alliance in Uttar Pradesh – Mayawati’s BSP built an unusual alliance between Dalits and Brahmins. Historically, these groups had tensions. But politically, the alliance worked for some time. This proves caste alliances are shaped by political factors.

3.Grand Alliances in Bihar – Parties like RJD, JD(U), and Congress often come together to balance Yadav, Kurmi, Muslim, and Dalit votes. Such alliances are practical, not primordial.

4.Maharashtra Politics – Marathas, Dalits, and OBCs form different combinations depending on the situation. Leaders like Sharad Pawar built broad coalitions that crossed caste lines.

Why Caste Alliances Are Not Primordial

• If caste alliances were purely primordial, they would be permanent and unchanging. But in reality, they keep shifting.
• A community may support one party in one election and another party in the next, depending on promises made.
• Historical enemies like Dalits and Brahmins, or Yadavs and Kurmis, have joined hands when it was politically useful.
• Caste has become a resource to negotiate power, not just a traditional identity.

Secular Factors in Caste Alliances

When we say secular, we mean factors related to worldly life – economy, development, power, jobs, education – and not religion. Caste alliances depend on:

• Development promises
• Reservation benefits
• Political representation
• Government schemes
• Leadership positions

This makes caste alliances secular in nature.

Criticism of Caste Alliances

Some scholars argue that caste politics has both good and bad effects.

Positive

• It gives marginalized groups a chance to demand rights.
• It brings diversity in politics.
• It helps in social justice through reservations.

Negative

• It can divide society.
• It can weaken merit and development focus.
• It often leads to short-term populism.

Still, the key point is: caste alliances are more about politics than tradition.

Caste remains an important part of Indian society, but the way it works in politics is not just primordial. Alliances among caste groups are not fixed or natural; they are shaped by political strategies, secular demands, and economic benefits. Political leaders and parties constantly build, break, and rebuild caste coalitions depending on electoral needs.

Thus, caste alliances in India emanate from secular and political factors rather than primordial identities. They are products of democracy, negotiation, and competition for power, not merely ancient loyalties.