Why can't we abolish the caste system altogether ?

 Dr. Ambedkar is one who has the best understanding of the issue and this answer is based on his views in the matter.Let us,first of all, understand the inherent structural strengths of the Caste System vis-a-vis other similar systems like Slavery to understand the issue better.

Dr Ambedkar said 'Masters,it may be in your interests to rule over me as a slave.What is in my interest to be ruled over by you as a slave?'

Illustration For Master-Slave Relationship

Here you may observe that 'Masters' are one' power bloc' and 'Slaves' are 'one power bloc'.If 'Slaves' join together in their common suffering,they can unite and fight against Masters.They did it and got free also.So slavery is abolished.

Now let us see the pattern of 'power blocs' in Caste System

Now the 'Masters' are a' supreme power bloc'.Slaves Class 1 is a separate power bloc in view of their set of privileges which are above Slaves Class 2 and 3.Slaves Class 1 can willingly accept their Slave position AS THERE ARE 2 SLAVE CLASSES UNDER them.In other words Slaves 1 is 'MASTER CLASS'BLOC WITH RESPECT TO SLAVES 2 AND 3 .So why should they revolt against Master Class?

Power&Privilege Position of Kshatriyas

Power&Privilege Position of Vaishyas

Similarly Slaves 2 are a MASTER CLASS with respect to Slaves 3 So they willingly accept their position as Slaves 2 .Here is how.

Power&Privilege Position of Shudras

Slaves 3 class is in a pitiable position.They have to serve 3 Master classes.They are the 'real and only slaves' and want to be liberated from the system.But they can't as the combined might of the 3 classes above them is just overwhelming.

To explain in simple language I have purposely omitted the 5th class the Dalits from the purview.The system is accepted as all classes have some interest except the lowest class 'Shudras'.In simple terms its like saying'You be my slave ,man!I 'll give you slaves too! '

Since the interests of the slave groups are distinctly different ,their chances of coming together to overthrow the cursed system is not that easy.

(Originally published in Quora 5 years ago)