The Roots of India’s Religious Tensions: A Class and Caste Divide

India’s religious conflicts—Hindu-Muslim, Hindu-Christian, or otherwise—are often framed as ideological or cultural clashes. However, at their core, these tensions are deeply intertwined with class and caste dynamics, where the wealthy elite, historically upper-caste Hindus, have perpetuated a system that marginalizes the poor, regardless of their religious affiliation. This divide, rooted in centuries of social hierarchy, continues to shape India’s socio-political landscape today.

Historical Context: Caste, Conversion, and Class

Before the arrival of Islam in India, Hindu society was stratified by the caste system, with Brahmins (priests) and Kshatriyas (warriors) wielding power and wealth. The lower castes, particularly Dalits and other marginalized groups, faced systemic exclusion, denied access to resources, education, or dignity. The arrival of Islam, beginning around the 7th century, offered an alternative for some. Many low-caste Hindus converted to Islam, seeking escape from the rigid caste hierarchy. Conversion was not just a spiritual choice but a desperate bid for social mobility, a chance to break free from the shackles of Brahmanical oppression.

Similarly, when the Portuguese arrived in 1498, bringing Jesuit missionaries, another wave of conversions began. The converts were, again, largely from the lower castes—Dalits and other oppressed groups who had little to lose. Terms like “rice bag converts,” though derogatory today, reflect a grim historical reality: for many, a bag of rice was worth more than the Hinduism that had marginalized them for generations. These conversions were acts of survival, not betrayal.

The rise of the trader class (Baniya) under Portuguese and later British influence further complicated the social fabric. While the Baniyas gained economic prominence, the Brahmins and Kshatriyas retained their social dominance, often becoming landlords under British colonial rule. The poor—whether Hindu, Muslim, or Christian—remained at the bottom, their marginalization unchanged by shifts in political power.

The Persistence of Caste Across Religions

A critical aspect of this dynamic is that caste does not vanish with conversion. In India, caste is not merely a religious construct but a social and historical marker of oppression. Converting to Islam or Christianity did not erase the stigma of being a “low-caste” individual. Muslim and Christian communities in India often replicate caste hierarchies, with “upper-caste” converts or those from historically privileged backgrounds maintaining dominance over “lower-caste” converts. This persistence of caste underscores how deeply entrenched social inequalities are, transcending religious boundaries.

The wealthy, upper-caste Hindus, who historically controlled land and resources, continued to view the poor—whether Hindu, Muslim, or Christian—with disdain. This contempt was not rooted in religion alone but in a desire to maintain the status quo of power and privilege. The poor, regardless of their faith, were seen as threats to the established order, especially when they sought social or economic upliftment.

The Modern Political Landscape: Wealth, Caste, and the BJP

Fast forward to today, and the same dynamics play out in India’s political arena. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a right-wing Hindu nationalist party, enjoys significant support among wealthy, upper-caste Hindus. This is no coincidence. The BJP’s ideology, which emphasizes Hindu unity and cultural nationalism, often glosses over caste and class inequalities, appealing to those who benefit from the existing social order. These supporters—many of whom are Brahmins, Kshatriyas, or Baniyas—oppose measures like a caste census or policies aimed at reducing wealth inequality, as these threaten their entrenched privileges.

The disdain for converts, lower castes, and the poor remains evident in the rhetoric of Hindu nationalism. Terms like “converts” or “rice bag” are weaponized to dehumanize those who, historically and presently, have been pushed to the margins. The resistance to a caste census, which would expose the extent of social and economic disparities, is a clear attempt to maintain the status quo. Wealthy Hindus, aligned with the BJP, benefit from a system where caste and class hierarchies remain unchallenged, and religious divisions are stoked to distract from deeper inequalities.

Reframing the Narrative

India’s religious tensions are not merely about theological differences or cultural pride. They are, at their heart, a manifestation of class and caste struggles. The wealthy elite, historically upper-caste Hindus, have long perpetuated a system that marginalizes the poor, whether they are Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or otherwise. Conversions to Islam or Christianity were often acts of resistance against this oppression, driven by the hope of a better life, even if that hope was as modest as a bag of rice.

To address India’s religious and social divides, we must confront the root cause: the persistent inequality between the wealthy and the poor, the upper castes and the lower. A caste census, wealth redistribution, and policies that prioritize the marginalized are essential steps toward dismantling this centuries-old hierarchy. Only by acknowledging and addressing these structural inequalities can India move toward true unity, beyond the superficial divides of religion.