A quick Google search for “caste” brings up a four-tiered pyramid with Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (farmers, traders, and merchants), and Shudras (laborers). These four upper-caste varnas together are referred to as savarnas. Below these four tiers (avarna), are the Dalits, subject to the harshest forms of oppression. Continue reading Casteism and the Making of Modern Tamil Nadu