Social structures such as caste and religion have a deep influence on social relations, political behaviour and conflict in India. They shape people’s identities, determine access to resources and influence patterns of inclusion and exclusion. Consequently, caste and religious structures can become sources of conflict when differences are converted into discrimination, competition, political mobilisation or violence. At the same time, these very structures can contribute to peace-building when they are used to promote dialogue, solidarity, mutual respect and social cooperation. The caste system has historically organised Indian society into hierarchical groups. Traditional caste-based inequalities have resulted in discrimination, untouchability, unequal access to land, education, employment and social status. Such inequalities can create resentment and conflict between dominant and marginalised communities. Caste-based violence, disputes over land and resources, resistance to inter-caste marriages, and conflicts surrounding reservations demonstrate how caste identities may become politically and socially