Kancha Ilaiah: Biography, Works, Books, and Criticism

Dalit rights activist Kancha Ilaiah is an Indian writer who was born on 5th October in 1952 in Papaiahpeta (now in the Warangal district of Telangana) in the erstwhile Hyderabad state. He writes in English as well as in Telugu. Also, he played a major role in the movement against the caste system that prevailed … Read more

Tribal Communities in India: Sociology Optional Mains Notes

Indigenous and tribal peoples are often known by national terms such as native peoples, aboriginal peoples, first nations, adivasi, janajati, hunter-gatherers, or hill tribes. Given the diversity of peoples, it aims at protecting, the Convention uses the inclusive terminology of “indigenous and tribal peoples” and ascribes the same set of rights to both groups. In … Read more

Caste among Other Religions: Muslims and Christians

Caste is a social stratification wherein people are grouped based on wealth, occupation or social status. It is characterized by endogamy (marriage within the same class), the inheritance of occupation and social status. The word ‘caste’ is derived from the Portuguese word ‘CASTA’ which translates to lineage. A caste is generally referred to as Jati … Read more