What Even Is...?

What Even is the Caste System in India? with History and South Asian Studies Professor Dr. Avinash Singh

July 07, 2021 Season 2 Episode 19
What Even Is...?
What Even is the Caste System in India? with History and South Asian Studies Professor Dr. Avinash Singh
Show Notes

In this episode, host Donna Truong speaks with Dr. Avinash Singh about "What even is the Caste System in India?" Dr. Singh explains:

  • How did the caste system begin
  • The different castes - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Dalits (Untouchables)
  • How are people categorized into these castes
  • Effects of caste system in contemporary India 
  • And more!

Dr. Avinash Singh grew up in India and has experienced the caste system firsthand. He went to Panjab University and earned his Ph.D. in English Literature and later went to  Brandeis University and earned his Ph.D. in History with a specialty in Modern South Asia. He currently works as a history, South Asian studies, and  International and Global Studies Program professor at his alma mater Brandeis University.

A huge thank you to Joseph McDade for letting us use his song Elevation as his theme song!

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