The study of Indian villages has long been associated with the institution of caste because caste has historically shaped social organization, occupation, marriage, rituals, and patterns of interaction. Early sociological studies often emphasized caste as the central feature of rural society. However, modern sociologists argue that Indian villages cannot be understood by looking at caste alone. The concept of class is equally important because economic differences, ownership of resources, income, education, occupation, and access to opportunities significantly influence village life. The combined study of caste and class provides a more comprehensive understanding of social relations, power structures, and social change in rural India. Caste is a hereditary system based on birth that determines an individual's social status. It prescribes social norms regarding occupation, marriage, food habits, and social interactions. In traditional Indian villages, caste regulated the division of labour and established a hierarchy of higher and lower castes. Institutions such as the jajmani system reflected the interdependence among various caste groups. Caste also influenced political participation, religious practices, and access to social resources. Therefore, caste remains an important element in understanding village society. However, the social reality of Indian villages has undergone significant transformation. Economic development, land reforms, industrialization, education, migration, government welfare schemes, and globalization have changed the structure of rural society. These changes have created economic inequalities that cannot be explained by caste alone. The concept of class helps in understanding these economic divisions. Class refers to groups of people who share similar economic positions based on income, wealth, occupation, education, and ownership of property. In villages, class differences are reflected in land ownership, agricultural