Reality and Reason

Caste is a closed system of stratification where social groups are divided on the basis of birth and their occupation. Social groups follow the code of behaviour prescribed by tradition regarding marriage and kinship alliances. Caste groups (varnas and jatis) are unequal, ranked on a scale of hierarchy based on their ritual status, from ‘pure’ to ‘impure’. Their status determines with whom they can interact and with whom they cannot. The idea and practice of untouchability is an integral part of the caste system. Untouchability now stands banned in India.

Dadabhai Naoroji, who belonged to the Parsi community of Gujarat was a great Indian civic nationalist. For some time, he also served as a member of the British House of Commons, on the ticket of the Liberal Party.

I was unable to accompany my classmates to Kolkata in January this year on what seems to have been an exceedingly enjoyable excursion. But the several conversations before and after the trip got me interested in the urban history of Kolkata and this is what I have attempted to pen here.

Families are a source of love, solace and comfort. They are also a source of drudgery, exploitation and inequality.

Politics is more than what the politicians do. Politics is a polysemic word. It could mean different things to different people.