Online published on 29 November, 2012.
This research paper analyses caste and class violence in Uttar Pradesh, illustrating the socio-ethnic and religious complexity of India's largest state, which mirrors the fabric of the nation as a whole. Independence and the reforms carried out since have profoundly modified the balance of power between classes and communities. Many intermediary castes, identified as “backward” have risen in status and prosperity thereby gaining political clout, often to the detriment of the traditional ruling upper castes (mainly Brahmins and feudal landlords), while most of the poorer scheduled castes and tribes remain at the bottom of the socio-economic pile. Hence, violent clashes often take place between competing dominant and exploited communities and politics is increasingly driven by caste interests and prejudices.
