Alternative Spaces > Research Components > Indian Caste Councils

Indian Caste Councils

Senior research project by project leader, Professor Esther Fihl  

Between State and Foreign institutions 

In modern India, global relations have given new opportunities for traditional caste councils to establish themselves between the state and foreign institutions, NGOs and firms operating in India. These caste councils are not part of the official civil constitution. However, like in colonial times, many Indian villages and cities still consist of different quarters, each inhabited by a certain caste or socio-religious group. A number of these have their own councils of influential men.

Long- and Short-term Transformation Processes 

On the basis of earlier data from my studies of caste communities in India, this research project will document the long- and the short-term transformation processes, by which globalization have made some castes able to establish alternative spaces in between the state (legal) and the communities (legitimate).

Cast Councils Dealing With Foreign NGOs 

Recent events shows that some caste councils have started to deal with foreign NGOs and foreign companies providing work force, settling wages, or negotiating conditions for humanitarian aid. Profound knowledge based on anthropological fieldwork (participant-observation and interviews) is needed to document the roles and effects of caste and caste councils and to discuss these with Danish firms and NGOs planning to expand to India.