International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Communication

The caste system has been one of the most enduring structures of social inequality in India, shaping patterns of hierarchy, exclusion, and access to resources across historical periods. This paper presents an analytical review of the evolution of the caste system and the emergence of social reform movements in modern India. It examines the historical roots of caste from early religious and socioeconomic formations, its transformation during the colonial period, and its continued relevance in contemporary society. The study highlights how caste-based discrimination affected marginalized groups, particularly Dalits, women, and tribal communities, and how these inequalities prompted diverse reform initiatives across regions. Social reform movements led by religious thinkers, social activists, and political leaders sought to challenge untouchability, promote education, and expand civil and political rights. The paper also analyses the role of institutions, legislation, and constitutional provisions in addressing caste oppression, while acknowledging their limitations in eliminating deeply entrenched social practices. Regional variations in reform trajectories demonstrate that caste reform in India has not followed a uniform path but has been shaped by local histories, economies, and cultural contexts. The study concludes that despite significant reform efforts and legal safeguards, caste continues to influence social mobility, economic opportunity, and political representation, making social reform an ongoing and necessary process in modern India.