Caste and politics in India have been deeply intertwined since the country’s colonial and pre-Independence periods, influencing both electoral behavior and governance structures. Social psychology helps in understanding this relationship by examining how group identity, social norms, and intergroup dynamics shape political attitudes and actions. Caste in India is not merely a social stratification system but also a powerful psychological construct that affects individuals’ perceptions of power, authority, and political legitimacy. Political mobilization along caste lines occurs because caste identities provide a ready-made framework for collective action, offering members of a caste a sense of shared interests, solidarity, and political leverage. Leaders often appeal to caste loyalties to consolidate votes, create alliances, and maintain power structures, which demonstrates the role of in-group favoritism and social identity in political processes. The post-Independence period witnessed significant shifts in the role and expression of caste in politics. Initially, the Indian Constitution sought to diminish caste-based inequalities by introducing affirmative action policies such as reservations in education, employment, and legislative representation. Social psychology helps explain the complex response to these measures: while they empowered marginalized groups and provided opportunities for upward mobility, they also reinforced caste consciousness as individuals became more aware of their collective identity and historical deprivation.