Changes in caste system in post-independent period can be discussed under two headings, viz., Functional Changes in Caste System and Changes in the Role of Caste System.

A. Functional Changes in the Caste System: The caste system has neither disintegrated nor did it disappear in present India despite many modifications. During the last six decades caste structures has considerably changed. Though, these two important features of hereditary membership and hierarchy have not changed at all. 

But we do find some changes in the following:

1. Occupational choice is relaxed 

2. Decline and Disappearance of the caste panchayaths 

3. Commensall restrictions are relaxed 

4. The religious basis of caste has ramped. Caste is no more believed to be divinely ordained.

5. Caste is no longer restricts newly valued individual freedom and the occupational career of an individual, though his social status continue to be dependent on his caste membership.

B. The Changes in the Role of Caste System: The major changes in the role of Caste system are the following:

1. Elections Based On Caste System: Caste in modem India is very important, and every political party is aware of its vote-catching power though the political leaders condemn .caste verbally. But in practice caste consideration are potent.

2. Increase of Caste Consciousness and Organizations: Caste consciousness and organization have increased in modern India. Caste-based Educational Institutions, Banks, Hostels, Cooperative Societies, Charities, Marriage halls and journals, which are the indicators of caste consciousness. The journals, published by the caste organization, are the units of the media of communicative integration.

The community aspect of caste has been made more comprehensive and permanent. According to G S. Ghurye “Thus a vicious circle has been created. The feeling of caste solidarity is now so strong that it is truly described as caste patriotism”.

3. Impact of Modern Means Of Transport and Communication: According to M.N Srinivas “The building of Roads all over India, and the introduction of Railway, Postal service, cheap paper, and printing, especially in regional languages, enabled castes to organize as they had never done before. A post card carried news of a caste meeting and the railways enabled members sheltered in far-flung villages to come together when necessary, with the availability of cheap news print facilitated, the founding of caste journals, whose aim was to promote the interests of their respective castes.

4. Impact of Modern Education: Education has been liberalized in post-independence era. No doubt, modem educated youths being inspired by the ideals of equality, liberty, fraternity, scientific outlook, secularism, etc. have changed their attitudes towards caste system. It did not necessarily mean that caste has disappeared. The educated leaders started caste journals and held conferences.

Funds were collected to organize the caste meetings and to help the poorer members. In general, it may be said that the last hundred years have seen a great increase in caste solidarity and the concomitant decrease of a sense of interdependence between different castes.