The caste system is a hereditary social class hierarchy in Hindu society. Levels flow by degrees of polluted to pure designations of social status. Dalits (street sweepers, outcasts, waste cleaners), Sudra (farmers, workers, servants), vaisyas (merchants and skilled workers), Kshatriyas (kings, rulers, warriors), and Brahmins (priests).
This system has political status because many castes have developed individual political parties providing politicians with almost constituents (supporters). The state of India feels that the caste system is vital in supporting mobilization and policy development.