Have you ever thought about how caste-based reservations came into existence?

The roots of caste-based reservation in India can be traced back to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, who issued a groundbreaking proclamation on July 26, 1902. This historic decision reserved 50% of government jobs for backward classes, making it one of the earliest systems of reservation in India. 

This decision was part of the broader movement aimed to challenge Brahmin dominance in administration. It was also influenced by the Vedokta Controversy. ‘Vedokta’ refers to Vedic religious rites, traditionally considered the exclusive domain of the higher castes.

In 1899, Shahu’s royal priest refused to perform Vedokta rites for him, citing his Shudra status. Incensed by this denial, Shahu, backed by other Maratha royal families, challenged the Brahminical order. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, despite his orthodox views, partially supported Shahu by conceding Vedokta rights to him as a Chhatrapati, but not as a Kshatriya. Shahu rejected this compromise stance, as it undermined the Maratha royal families’ collective assertion of Kshatriya identity.

The decision to reserve seats faced criticism from Brahmins, who perceived it as an attempt to drive them out of office. Bal Gangadhar Tilak criticized the decision in his Kesari editorials, calling it undiplomatic and immature. There was another stance suggesting that the British might have provoked Shahu Maharaj to take strong actions against the Brahmins as part of their divide-and-rule policy. However, Shahu Maharaj's move was decisive and informed by his background, upbringing, and experiences.

In fact, he led a significant socio-political movement that sought to empower marginalized communities and integrate them into the socio-economic framework. Beyond reservations, he promoted education for non-Brahmins, established schools and colleges, and also initiated cultural and religious reforms.