Inter-Caste Marriage

Marriages between people of different castes are not common in India because there is a rigid caste system which has existed since Ancient times in India. Inter-caste couples face ostracisation, harassment, death threats and even honour killing. Efforts have been made to promote Intercaste marriages through Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages and Supreme Court guidelines in Shakti Vahini case.

Hindu society, since ancient times has been organised based on castes/ jatis. People were divided into four main castes (brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya & shudras), which were assigned on birth based on the family you were born in. Castes are ranked one above the other to assign status and prestige. Caste membership has many strict rules which have existed. One of these rules is about ‘endogamus’ marriages i.e. marriage is permitted only with people in your own community. Hence, ‘inter caste’ marriage to someone of a different caste was prohibited to ensure that there was no intermingling.

According to the Indian Human Development Survey (2012), less than 5% marriages in India as inter-caste. Since Indian independence, the Constitution of India has banned caste based discrimination.In fact, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1956 also permitted inter-caste marriages. However, in some parts of society, there is social ostracization, assault and even murder of couples who undertake intercaste marriages. It is because inter-caste marriages are looked at as a violation of ancient Hindu values.

Caste system, is one of the most rigid social discrimination mechanisms which has continued till today because of how deeply it is rooted in consciousness of people.

• Birth decides the caste of a person. It cannot be changed during the lifetime.
• Untouchability is practiced as there is no sharing of water/ food with lower castes. This also means that some areas or places are made inaccessible to the so-called lower castes. All things and places are regulated strictly with rules of who and when they can be touched or used by people of different castes. This maintains absolute demarcation and strict separation in inter-caste interactions.
• Caste Endogamous marriages are permitted within the same status caste groups only.
• All castes are placed in a hierarchy and their purity is associated with occupations of higher caste, while impurity is associated with lower castes.
• Caste is linked to traditional occupation of the family or community. Hence while Brahmins can read the vedas, the untouchables can only have menial jobs.
• Caste Councils and social ostracisation are the main means of enforcing strict caste rules.

Intercaste marriage refers to a marriage between individuals belonging to different castes. In Indian society, caste endogamy is practiced traditionally which means marriage within same caste. Hence, Intercaste marriages are often considered as a taboo in the traditional Indian families. But, gradually acceptance to intercaste marriages is increasing due to increased sense of equality in the society. Intercaste marriages are often seen as a means to reduce caste discrimination and promote social integration. It is also used as a symbol of social progress.

• Prevalence of caste hierarchy and untouchability
• Over reliance on legislative and judicial efforts instead forbuilding grassroots support
• Accepting caste endogamy as the norm
• Fear of ostracisation
• Fear of retribution and threat to life.
• Weak implementation of legal mechanisms like Supreme Court guidelines
• Perceived convenience in choosing and settling with a partner from the same caste background.
• Caste-based politics at grassroots preventing local leaders from coming forward to urge to break the taboo.

Importance of Inter-Caste Marriages in Dismantling Caste: Dr. BR Ambedkar said that inter-caste marriages were a key way to annihlate the caste system. As these marriages break down strict caste divisions between people which are sustained on kin networks. Dr. Ambedkar also identified promotion of education, industrialisation, urbanization, meritocratic appointment of priests etc as potent modes of abolishing caste in India.

1. Family opposition : Intercaste marriage couples often face disapproval of their families due to traditional accepted norm of caste endogamy (marriage within a caste group). Couples face emotional pressure from their families, including threats of disinheritance, emotional blackmail, or being ostracized from the family.
2. Social stigma : In some communities, intercaste marriages can lead to social stigma and social isolation.
3. Threats and harassment : Couples and their families may receive threats and face harassment from the relatives and community members.
4. Honor killing : In extreme cases, intercaste marriages may lead to honor-based violence, including honor killings, particularly in conservative and rural areas.
5. Identity issues : Children born to intercaste couples may face identity issues, particularly regarding caste identity.
6. Psychological stress : The stress of dealing with family disapproval, social isolation, and cultural differences can take a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of intercaste couples.

1. Constitutional Right under article 19 and 21 to consenting adults to marry a person of their choice.
2. Special Marriage Act of 1954 : It provides a legal framework for marriages between individuals of different religions, castes, or communities without the need of any conversion.
3. Implement Supreme Court Guidelines from Shakti Vahini Case: Countering Khap Pancyahats by issuing guidelines to State government and local police authorities to provide protection to the couple and their families. Setting up ‘safe houses’ for them. To ensure implementaiton, Supreme Court provided for departmental enquiry to be taken against officers who fail to implement these guidelines.
4. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages: By the Ministry of Social Justice in India.
   • Provides financial support (2.5 lakhs) to newly married inter-caste couples who might otherwise have been abandoned by their families.
   • The aim of the scheme is to organise campaigns for attitudinal change in society for removal of untouchability and provide government assistance for this goal.
   • Incentive (Rs 25,000) to District Authorities to conduct mass inter-caste marriages as celebrations inviting Hon’ble guests to visit and legitimise the events in eyes of the public.

People in inter-caste marriages have faced violence and even death from their families and communities. Hence, it is important that their constitutional and legal rights are protected. At the same time, more awareness through programmes and moral education at school level can help to dismantle caste biases.

Intercaste marriages can change the face of caste discrimination in India as it will abolish caste based discrimination and untouchability. Through it we can truly achieve the goals set out in the Constitution of equality and fraternity among all in society and secure liberty for all individuals.

• Birth decides the caste of a person. It cannot be changed during the lifetime.
• Untouchability is practiced as there is no sharing of water/ food with lower castes. This also means that some areas or places are made inaccessible to the so-called lower castes. All things and places are regulated strictly with rules of who and when they can be touched or used by people of different castes. This maintains absolute demarcation and strict separation in inter-caste interactions.
• Endogamous marriages are permitted within the same status caste groups only.
• All castes are placed in a hierarchy and their purity is associated with occupations of higher caste, while impurity is associated with lower castes.
• Caste is linked to traditional occupation of the family or community. Hence while Brahmins can read the vedas, the untouchables can only have menial jobs.
• Caste Councils and social ostracisation are the main means of enforcing strict caste rules.