Caste has been an extremely significant and influential element in Indian politics. From the pre-independence period to the current democratic setup, caste has impacted political behavior, electoral processes, policy-making, and leadership structures. This research paper analyzes the role of caste in the historical context of caste structure, Dalit movements, the Mandal Commission, caste-based political parties, and the contemporary political scenario. The study examines how caste has become a medium for political participation, empowerment, and representation, while also analyzing how casteism challenges democracy.
