The Caste as Practice network seeks to understand the enduring role of caste in contemporary South Asia through interdisciplinary collaboration across the social sciences and humanities. Despite significant economic and political changes, caste remains a persistent marker of inequality and identity, woven into every aspect of social life. Explaining its resilience and resurgence poses a key challenge. Our network brings together established and emerging scholars to rethink existing analytical frameworks on caste. Additionally, viewing caste as a multi-dimensional and interlocking structure of oppression offers new insights into global discussions on race and racialisation.
Format
Twice a term (2025-26)
Convenors and Contact
Ankur Barua (Faculty of Divinity) ab309@cam.ac.uk
Manali Desai (Department of Sociology and Professorial Fellow at Newnham College) md644@cam.ac.uk
Damni Kain (Gates Cambridge Scholar, Department of Sociology) dk661@cam.ac.uk
Priyanka Kotamraju (Gates Cambridge Scholar, Department of Sociology) pk514@cam.ac.uk
Jusmeet S. Sihra (British Academy International Fellow, Department of Sociology) jss82@cam.ac.uk
Vishal Vasanthakumar (Gates Cambridge Scholar, Department of Sociology) vv323@cam.ac.uk
Michaelmas 2025 Upcoming Meetings
October 29, 1–3 PM - History of Caste (Online)
November 7, 4-5:30 PM - Caste Census (Sociology Seminar Room/Hybrid)