Reassessing Caste Dynamics among Indian Muslims: New Perspectives on Social Stratification

Caste constitutes one of the most consequential forms of social stratification in South Asia, with enduring implications for social relations, economic opportunities, and patterns of inequality, particularly in the Indian context. Although, caste is not an integral principle of Islamic theology, caste-like structures have historically emerged among Indian Muslims through the processes of social interaction, occupational differentiation, cultural adaptation, and socio-economic reproduction. This paper critically examines the dynamics of caste among Indian Muslims, with particular emphasis on the emergence, persistence, and implications of these caste-like structures within Muslim communities. It argues that caste among Indian Muslims should not be understood merely as a derivative or static reproduction of the Hindu caste system; rather, it represents a complex and evolving form of social stratification shaped by historical processes, occupational differentiation, socio-economic inequalities, and shifting patterns of identity, status, and social mobility. Drawing on secondary sources, including scholarly literature, government reports, policy documents, and newspaper accounts, the paper critically engages with existing debates on caste and Muslim social stratification in India. It highlights the dynamic nature of caste-like structures and the continuing significance for understanding inequality, identity, and mobility among Indian Muslims.