UPSC Themes

Theme T50 · Indian Society

Caste: continuity, change, mobility & Dalit assertion

6PYQs
6GS1
2015–20266 distinct years
2asked 2024–26

Roadmap · step 21 of 171 · Stage 1: Foundations

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What UPSC asks

A heavily repeated GS1 theme: is caste disappearing in urban India, fluid and static identity, new associational forms, Dalit assertion, and intercaste vs interreligious marriages.

Prepare these

Answer writing

Directive words in these PYQs: Illustrate (1), Discuss (1), Why (1), Elaborate (1), Comment (1).

Linked themes

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

Step 76: Urbanisation: social problems, segregation & urban povertyStep 112: Affirmative action & welfare schemes for vulnerable sections

Syllabus lines covered

All 6 PYQs, newest first

  1. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-01-M2026-S02

    Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples

    Also needs: T55 Urbanisation: social problems, segregation & urban povertyReport a typo
  2. GS1202410 marks · 150 wordsGS1-SOC-01-M2024-Q09

    Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.

    Report a typo
  3. GS1202315 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-01-M2023-Q19

    Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?

    Report a typo
  4. GS12020GS1-SOC-01-M2020-S01

    Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

    Report a typo
  5. GS12018GS1-SOC-01-M2018-S01

    “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.

    Report a typo
  6. GS12015GS1-SOC-01-M2015-S02

    Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.

    Report a typo