What does subcaste mean?
A subcaste is a smaller social group within a caste, particularly in the traditional caste systems of South Asia. Its boundaries may be based on shared ancestry, hereditary membership, occupation, marriage customs, or rules of social interaction. The term therefore describes a level of social classification between the individual or family and the broader caste. Subcastes may have distinct community traditions, customary privileges or restrictions, and established hierarchies of their own. In contemporary India, the concept is especially associated with jati and is discussed in demographic, legal, political, and historical contexts. Although the word can sometimes suggest rigid inequality, it more neutrally identifies a recognized subdivision of a caste. Understanding it requires distinguishing the social group itself from the broader caste category that contains it.
nounA social group within a caste, typically defined by shared ancestry, hereditary membership, and rules governing marriage or social interaction.
- A subgroup within a caste, especially in the traditional social systems of South Asia.
"The community comprises several subcastes, each with its own traditions and customary roles."
"Members of the subcaste traditionally followed the same occupation."
"The census recorded the population by subcaste as well as by broader caste."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple subdivisions of a caste.
"Several subcastes have distinct marriage traditions."
One caste may contain many subcastes, creating nested layers of identity, tradition, and social obligation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subcaste come from?
The word combines the English prefix sub-, meaning “under” or “beneath,” with caste. Caste entered English from Portuguese casta, which was derived from Latin castus, meaning “chaste” or “virtuous”; related Latin forms include castrare, the source of English castrate. The compound subcaste developed in South Asian English to name a division within a larger caste.
How subcaste is actually used
The term is chiefly used in South Asian social, historical, and legal contexts. In India, it can overlap with the more specific concept of a jati, though the two terms are not always interchangeable.
Easily confused with subcaste
A caste is a broad social category, whereas a subcaste is a smaller group within one.