Caste, does it affect British Asians?

OK so we’re in the UK, many of us born and raised here we’re British Asian – so the question is did the caste system stay in the motherlands? The perceptions and experiences are mixed!

Kapil Dudakia from The Hindu Forum of Britain stated in March 2009 from his experience that the vast majority of people, regardless of their historical caste, tended not to follow their ancestors’ occupations. He also said as far as the United Kingdom was concerned, caste was well and truly non-existent, unless you happened to be a member of the Royal Family!

However many would disagree, including British Asian rapper Shiv Gharu, he said ”Everybody thinks caste discrimination only happens in India but it’s happening on our streets. In fact, it’s flourishing”.

“When I was a child, I was taunted and abused and called slave boy and untouchable”.

When it came to dating “I was involved with a woman who was from a higher caste and her father would not even let me in their house. I was not accepted and when people from the higher castes found out about my relationship, I was beaten up, all because I’m from a low caste” he said.

Whilst the topic of caste is far ranging I specifically want to know how it impacts British Asians in their dating life and when it comes to marriage!

- So do you think of caste when you’re looking to meet the one?

- Have your parents set expectations on caste?