What’s in a name? Respect: Marginalised groups push for caste name changes

Hyderabad: What’s in a name? Certainly, a lot, especially if the name of a caste is a subject of ridicule or fun, or the name has been changed over a period due to various reasons and is now seeking respectability in society.

The Telangana Commission for Backward Classes headed by G Niranjan on Friday decided to consider changing the names of some castes and called for a public hearing following recent petitions from the community organisations.

For example, Pitchiguntla/Vamsha Raj community wants deletion of the word “Pitchiguntla”, Chippolu (Mera) of Group D wants to be called Mera.

Similarly, Budabukkala of Group A community wants to be called Are Kshatriya Joshi or Shiva Kshatriya or Rama Joshi, Dommara Group A “Gada Vamsheeya.

Tammali (non-Brahmins) of Group D Shudra Caste whose traditional occupation is playing musical instruments, vending flowers and giving assistance in temple service but not Shivarchakars seek deletion of words Non-Brahmins, Shudra caste.

Kummara or Kulala, Salivahana which is categorized in Group D of BC list sought addition of synonym “Prajapati”, Rajaka (Chakali, Vannar) which is in Group A sought addition of word “Dhobi” as synonym and deletion of word “Vannar.”

Veeramushti (Nettikotala), Veerabhadreeya of Group A sought change of their caste name to Veerabhadreeya (Veeramushti, Nettikotala).

Certain caste names have also been used in a derogatory manner in Telugu films which has earned the wrath of community members.

Several caste organisations approached the BC commission

During the recent tour of the State and during discussions on the caste survey in the State, BC commission chairman G Niranjan, members Rapolu Jayaprakash, Tirumalagiri Surender and Balalakshmi received several representations from caste organisations from across the State requesting change of names and for addition of synonyms in respect of certain castes in the list of socially and educationally backward classes in Telangana State.

While these names existed for ages, modernisation and education among the community members have resulted in requests for rectifying caste names which at times have been subjected to ridicule as this will ensure respectability.

Several castes have undergone name changes

In the discharge of its functions and in the exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 9 and 10 of the Telangana Commission for Backward Classes Act 1993 (Act No 20 of 1993), after making preliminary consultations and deliberations with the representatives of various castes, has decided to call for objections from the individuals, representative of organisations, who are interested and who have objections in respect of certain castes.

The process of change in names is not new. For example, the once Komati business community are now called ‘Arya Vaisya’. Similarly, several other castes have undergone name changes over the years. The Telangana Government notified 112 castes/communities through GOs No 3 of the Backward Classes Welfare Department in 2014. The total percentage of reservations provided for BCs in education and employment is 29 per cent.

Caste crucial in Indian society

According to Gautam Kuma in ‘Caste and Enterprise Ownership: Emerging Trends and Diversification in India’ published by Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune, caste is one of the most important characteristics of Indian society.

The caste system is a system of stratified social hierarchy, and it determines the economic and social rights of an individual in society.

The caste system is not merely a division of labour; it is also a division of labourers (Ambedkar 1990). The caste system segregates labourers and confines them within distinct categories, establishing a hierarchy where workers are ranked in a stacked manner. Broadly, the caste system refers to the Varna and Jati systems.

How is caste structured in a Hindu society?

Historically, the Hindu society was divided into a four-tier caste system comprising Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors, noble), Vaishyas (commoners, traders, agriculturists), and Shudras (servants), he said.

Brahmins, according to the author, came at the top of the hierarchy, and Shudras were considered to be at the bottom of the hierarchy. As per Hindu religious texts, the untouchables were excluded from the Varna system, resulting in their distinct treatment from the Savarnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras). In the Constitution of India, these untouchables are classified as Scheduled Castes (SCs).

Historically, caste or jaati is a localised system in which a community is associated with traditional occupations. Jaatis are ranked based on their varna status. Hereditary and endogamy are the two essential features perpetuating the caste system, the author added.