ABSTRACT
Next to SCs and STs, the most deprived sections of India’s population were officially designated as the ‘Other Backward Classes’ (OBCs). They constitute about 52% of India’s population, but there is no clarity about which communities constitute them. Bhakti movements in the medieval ages contributed to their social rise, while post-independence land reforms raised their economic status in the rural society with several communities assuming the status of ‘Dominant Castes’. Their rise in the politics of India’s states has been one of the most conspicuous developments. But this has also brought them into conflict with Dalit aspirations. OBCs generally have not been very helpful in the emancipation of women. Child marriages still take place. Particularly in some northern states, OBCs have been a factor in obscurantism, illustrated by the influence of Khap Panchayats. While OBCs’ rise in politics has helped quite a few among them to gain enormously in power and wealth, the majority have remained backward. Yet, several famous writers and poets have emerged from them, and so have eminent political leaders. OBCs are not amenable to easy generalisations.
