www.ijcrt.org © 2021 IJCRT | Volume 9, Issue 7 July 2021 | ISSN: 2320-2882 IJCRT2107300 International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT) www.ijcrt.org c587 CASTE, WOMEN AND POLITICS IN INDIA Mrs. Shilpa Prakash Jadhav Head and Associate Professor, Dept. of Sociology N.G. Acharya and D. K. Marathe College, Chembur, Mumbai ABSTRACT Caste system is a predominant feature of the social structure in India. It is an inscriptive system of status and hierarchy. It is pervasive and all embracing and controls and defines all social, economic and political relationships for the individual. Recently, it has been argued that political competition may have similar effects on economic performance as market competition. This study empirically examines the role of caste in Indian politics. At the same time, it also envisages the role of women in Indian politics and the challenges they face in managing their responsibilities. Keywords: Caste, Indian Politics, Women participation, Democracy, Equality, Legislative Principles 1. INTRODUCTION Caste is based on inequality by birth. Democracy is based on principles of equality. In connection with democracy, the things that are associated with the caste system are: 1. Participation of all adults in the process of decision making, i.e. (a) High castes like Reddi (Andhra Pradesh), Patidars (Gujarat),Lingayats (Karnataka), Rajputs and Jats (Rajasthan), and Kayasthas (Bihar) and Intellectuals with high social status. (b) Lower castes and masses. In this first stage, only three components of caste were involved: (i) the power structure of caste. (ii) Distribution of economic benefits. (iii) Caste consciousness. Along with Caste norms, there are several protocols of the society, which are followed with respect to gender. For a long time, it had been seen that the role of women in the traditional society was limited only to household chores. She was not allowed to participate in any event in the society outside. Same thing was even applicable to her participation in politics and related activities. Due to lack of knowledge and stricter freedom, she was not even aware of the existing situation. However, many reformers in the period have brought about revolutionary changes that have led to the transformation of the overall perspective of the society in the modern times. Clubbed with her right to education, she was also given freedom on her decision to perform her political rights. Gradually, this has modified the social thoughts in the lines of progress. This stage is divided into three sub-stages and first substage into three phases: 1.1 First Substage: First Phase: Entrenched classes were struggling very hard for power and the benefits. In this sense it is different from the dominant caste. Second Phase: Includes ascendant castes these caste groups have two characteristics: (i) they are dissatisfied castes wanting higher roles. (ii) They want to achieve high and prestigious positions in society through power. Third Phase: There was not only competition between