The caste system was founded on principles of social harmony, equality and fraternity during the Vedic period, but was gradually altered due to contact with foreign powers, the Madhya Pradesh government has said in an affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court.

The state, which has been making a case in court to enhance reservation for OBCs from 14% to 27%, cited a research-based study approved by the state’s Backward Classes Welfare Commission to make the case that “social status was not predetermined by birth” and “caste never existed in undivided India”.

The 2023 research report, titled Survey and Social Scientific Study of the Socio-Economic, Educational, and Political Status of the Other Backward Classes of Madhya Pradesh and the Reasons for Their Backwardness, was based on a stud

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