Forms of Identity in India: Caste and Jati

Abstract

The article discusses the issue of caste identity. The author examines definitions of caste and jati – the two groups that an Indian identifies with – and traces their origins and distinctive features. He argues that the personal identification works for an Indian at the level of jati, while the identification of another person operates at that of caste, which serves the task of ordering the multiplicity of jatis in accordance with particular ritual and economic statuses.