Inter caste marriages in India and its linkages with development Indicators

Caste is an integral component of Indian society. People are divided into four caste categories. The four categories are Brahmins, Khastriyas, Vashyas (upper caste people) and Shudras ( lower caste people). Historically, Shudras were not allowed to participate in selected social, economic and political activities rather were subjected for several kinds of discrimination and exploitation by upper caste people. Despite legal provisions, discrimination and exploitation are still being practiced in some or other forms. Studies have mentioned the implications of caste system on development. The caste system is as strong that it does not allow intercaste marriages in the society. However, B R Ambedkar, has opposed this preposition and said that only intercaste marriages can break the caste system and will change development paradigms. Keeping this view, the present study analyzes whether inter caste marriages can influence development indicators of India? Study used couples data from National Family Health Survey, (2005-06). It was observed that 11% couples in India have inter caste marriages. Results clearly show that there is influence of inter caste marriages on indicators of development. Therefore study suggest that there is an urgent need of promoting inter caste marriages to weaken caste system and to improve development.