lower caste
Bottom social stratum
Lower caste refers to social groups ranked near the bottom of a caste system—a hierarchical structure where birth determines status, occupation, and social interaction.
The term appears most often in discussions of South Asian societies, particularly India's traditional Hindu caste hierarchy, where lower castes faced severe discrimination and restrictions.
More broadly, lower caste describes any group assigned inferior status by rigid social stratification: The reforms aimed to improve conditions for lower caste communities.
The designation carries connotations of systemic oppression and limited social mobility.
- untouchableExempt from criticism or harm
- outcasteOne expelled from caste
- pariahRejected, shunned person
- servitudeCompulsory labor under masters
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
hierarchy · discrimination · poverty · manual · labor · bonded labor · stigma · purity · pollution · varna · bonded · landless · marginalized · slum · menial · hereditary · social mobility · exploitation
lower casteupper caste
Highest social stratum
twice-born · upper class · nobility · aristocracy · high-born
lower casteestablishment
Founded organization or venue
social elite · elite · ruling class · landed gentry · ruling elite