savarna
suh-VAR-nuh
Definition
Refers to members of the four traditional upper caste categories (varnas) in the Hindu social hierarchy, often used to characterize individuals or systems that maintain traditional caste-based privileges.
Etymology
The word originates from Sanskrit, where 'sa' means 'with' or 'having' and 'varna' means 'color' or 'caste category', denoting someone belonging to one of the traditional four social classes.
In the news
The author uses 'savarna-compatible universalism' to describe a political strategy that offers broad services to marginalized groups without challenging the underlying power held by upper-caste individuals. This highlights the author's critique of movements that appear inclusive but leave traditional caste hierarchies intact.
After the Common Man, the Convenient Bahujan: CJP Fails the Litmus Test of Representation
Read the full article ↗TheWire.in