subcastes

Subcastes are subdivisions within a caste, describing internally differentiated social groups formed through shared occupation, lineage, region, or ritual practice. In South Asia, the term is often used interchangeably with jati or sub-jati to denote these internally distinct groups. Subcastes function as relatively enduring social units with defined memberships, marriage norms, and community obligations that help structure social life within a broader caste.

Formation and norms: Subcastes typically arise around occupation, place of origin, or lineage. They may maintain endogamy, distinct ritual practices, and separate social networks from other subgroups within the same caste. While procedures vary by region, subcastes often recognize hierarchy among themselves, and inter-subcaste alliances or marriages can be restricted or discouraged.

Change over time: Modern processes such as urbanization, education, migration, and reform movements have blurred and redefined boundaries. Some subcastes have declined or merged, while others retain clear identities. In many societies with caste systems, subcastes remain relevant for identity and social interaction, even as legal and political changes promote greater social equality.

Policy and scholarship: Subcaste distinctions have influenced social policy, political mobilization, and scholarly study in anthropology and sociology. In India and elsewhere, subcastes contribute to the complexity of caste-based considerations in elections and social programs, though policies typically use broader caste categories (for example, the Other Backward Classes). The concept continues to be debated among scholars for its rigidity versus its fluidity and regional variation.