Understanding General Castes in India: Definitions and Categories

Forward castes from various Indian states are commonly referred to as general castes. These castes differ across states, depending on social, educational, and financial conditions specific to each region. At an all-India level, certain castes are categorized as general or unreserved, ensuring they are not eligible for any reservations under the Indian reservation policy.

General Caste at the All-India Level

At the all-India level, several castes are considered general or unreserved. This means that they do not require reservation benefits under the Indian reservation policy. Some of these include:

Rajputs Jats Brahmins

However, it is important to note that while these castes may be classified as general at the national level, their status may differ from state to state.

State-Specific General Caste Classification in North India

In the northern regions of India, specific castes fall into the general category under the central all-India reservation category. These include:

Rajput Thakurs Jats Chaudhary Guptas Aggarwals

These caste groups, while significant in certain states, may have varying statuses across different regions.

Other General Castes in India

In various states across India, numerous castes are classified as general, with their inclusion sometimes depending on numerical strength and their potential to form a viable vote bank. Some of the common general castes in India include, but are not limited to:

Bhoomihars Pathans Jats Patidars Marathas Kammā Reddi Khandayat Ahom Nairs Sayyeds Nasranis

Brahmin Sub-Castes in India

Brahmin sub-castes like Kayastha Chhatris are widely recognized as general castes across India. Apart from these, several other castes may be categorized as general, depending on the state:

For Hindus in Bihar: Brahmins, Rajputs, Bhoomihar, Kayastha, Lala Muslims in Bihar: Pathans, Mughals, Turaks, Shaikhs, Shaikzadas, Sayyads, Rajputs

It is important to note that the categorization of castes as general varies based on both state-specific and national policies, reflecting the complex social and cultural fabric of India.

OC Caste and Reservations

The OC (Other Caste) category falls under the general category. However, individuals from the OC category who possess an economic backwardness certificate (EBC) are not considered general. These individuals can still benefit from the special reservation policies designed for economically backward castes.