Caste is a system of social stratification that has been deeply ingrained in Indian society for centuries. It is a hierarchical classification of people based on their birth, occupation, and social status. The caste system is unique to South Asia, especially India, though it has had significant influences in other parts of the world, particularly in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. At its core, the caste system divides people into groups that are seen as inherently different from one another, with each group occupying a distinct position in a social hierarchy. The origins of caste can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Rigveda, where society was initially divided into four primary varnas: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). Over time, this system evolved into a more complex system with many sub-castes, known as jatis, further segregating people based on various factors such as occupation, region, and social practices.

One of the defining features of the caste system is its hereditary nature. A person's caste is determined by the family they are born into, and they are expected to follow the traditional occupations and roles associated with that caste. This makes caste a rigid and unchanging aspect of an individual's identity, making social mobility extremely difficult. Individuals born into higher castes, such as the Brahmins or Kshatriyas, are often afforded better educational and employment opportunities, while those born into lower castes or the so-called "untouchable" castes, now referred to as Dalits, face significant discrimination and exclusion.

The characteristics of the caste system can be understood through several key features: