The caste system in India began over 3,000 years ago. Over that time, the four main castes got subdivided into over 20,000 sub-castes. Most of them described people’s jobs. People born into a caste had to stay in it forever. In 1950, the government of India outlawed the caste system. It became illegal to discriminate against people because of their caste. In India’s modern cities, the caste system has much less influence. However, in rural areas, the caste system still plays a large role in everyday life. People identify themselves by their caste. Some castes still face discrimination.

Why do you think the caste system lasted so long? Why do you think it was made illegal? And why do you think it continues to influence Indian society today?