Interrogating Caste: Understanding Hierarchy and Difference in Indian Society

by Dipankar Gupta

A brilliant new analysis of the caste structure in India.

Genres: India, Nonfiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

Reviews

[Book_withquotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dipankar Gupta's "Interrogating Caste " offers a compelling and analytical departure from conventional understandings of India's caste system. Challenging the long-held scholarly perception of caste as a fixed hierarchy based purely on the binary of purity and pollution, Gupta, a respected and erudite sociologist, argues for a more nuanced interpretation. His central thesis posits that the notion of a rigid hierarchy is largely arbitrary, holding validity only from the internal perspective of individual castes.

Gupta further illuminates his argument by foregrounding the mechanics of power—both economic and political—as the true determinants of caste behaviour. This insight is crucial for understanding how traditionally opposed caste groups can strategically align in the contemporary political landscape, a phenomenon often observed but less rigorously explained. The book substantiates its arguments with robust empirical evidence drawn from states like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.

Interrogating Caste is celebrated as a remarkable work for its fresh and dispassionate insights into caste as a multifaceted social, political, and economic reality. Its analytical depth, combined with an accessible writing style, makes complex sociological scholarship digestible for a broader audience. This book is an essential read for those interested in moving beyond simplistic interpretations to thoroughly examine the complexities of caste in India.

[Praveen Kishore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice analytical and insightful book on caste structure, hierarchies and differences in India, by one of the most respected and erudite sociologist of India.

However, chapter 6 is now dated, as it talks about election results of pre-2000 elections in India (the book was published in 2000). Further, the last chapter on typification and sociological constructions is technical in nature and may not be easy to comprehend for someone without formal sociological training.