A detailed caste census conducted in 2015 unveils a complex web of sub-identities within Karnataka’s Muslim and Christian populations, two prominent minority groups in the state.
Among Muslims, the survey identified 99 sub-castes, though a significant 59 lakh individuals preferred the label ‘Muslim’ without specifying sub-groups. The Shaik community emerged as the largest subgroup with 5.5 lakh people, followed by Sunni Muslims at 3.49 lakh. Others used occupational or lineage-based labels such as Darji, Dhobi, Pattegar, Phool Mali, and Sipaayi.
Currently categorized under 2B of the OBC quota, Muslims receive 4% reservation. The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission has recommended doubling this to 8%. Interestingly, certain Muslim sub-castes like Pinjara and Nadaf fall under Category-1, while Phool Mali comes under Category-2A, enjoying 4% and 15% reservations, respectively.
For Christians, the survey recorded 9.47 lakh individuals split into 57 sub-castes, including identities like Brahmin Christian, Vokkaliga Christian, and Madiga Christian. Presently, Christians share Category-3B with Lingayats, availing 5% reservation, which the commission proposes to raise to 8%.
However, BJP’s Anil Thomas questioned the drop in numbers compared to the 2011 census, which listed 11.44 lakh Christians, and criticized the caste-linked identities within Christianity, asserting that such combinations contradict the faith’s egalitarian principles.
The debate continues, highlighting both the diversity and tension surrounding identity, reservation, and representation in Karnataka.
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