ABSTRACT
Caste is the most important social institution in India. Caste values are so deeply rooted that caste members cannot remember actually acquiring caste consciousness. The typology of conflict has been formulated, keeping in mind the pattern of conflict prevailing in the social process. Conflict resolution in the present situation of India has certain difficulties. When entering into conflict situations, contending partners often involuntarily become irrational, and act with emotion led by an imposed ego. Difficulty may also arise when the situation demands complete change of pre-conflict relations. This is particularly relevant for a country where social institutions, like caste, have prevented social mobility. Violence, conflict and strife that have taken form in contemporary rural India, should be studied and analyzed from the point of both conflict management and the development of the democratic process. While considering conflict management, it is necessary to bear in mind the contradiction that may arise while achieving social progress and maintaining peace.
