kasteområde

A kasteområde, or caste area, refers to a residential or social space historically associated with specific castes in traditional Indian society. The caste system, a social hierarchy deeply rooted in Hindu culture, has historically influenced living arrangements, occupations, and social interactions. Kasteområdene were often segregated neighborhoods where members of particular castes resided together, reinforcing social boundaries and maintaining the rigid structure of the system.

In many parts of India, particularly in rural areas, these areas were physically separated from others, with distinct neighborhoods for Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Dalits (formerly known as Untouchables). This segregation was not only spatial but also extended to social customs, such as dining, water access, and public gatherings. Over time, urbanization and legal reforms, including the abolition of untouchability by the Indian Constitution in 1950, have gradually weakened these divisions.

While the caste system itself remains influential in modern India, the formal segregation of kasteområdene has diminished. Many urban areas now exhibit mixed residential patterns, though caste-based social hierarchies persist in certain aspects of daily life, such as marriage practices, employment, and political representation. The concept of kasteområdene serves as a historical example of how social structures shape living environments and reflects broader discussions about equality, segregation, and cultural change in India.