Book Title: Caste: A Global Story
Author: Suraj Milind Yengde
Publisher: Penguin Allen Lane
Number of Pages: 384
ISBN: 0670096318
Date Published: Jun. 30, 2025
Price: INR 565 / $34.99
Book Review
“Caste: A Global Story” by Suraj Milind Yengde challenges the view of caste as solely an Indian institution, arguing that it is a global phenomenon with ongoing impacts in diasporic communities and racial politics. Grounded in the ideas of B.R. Ambedkar and influenced by Nicholas Dirks’ analysis of colonialism’s role in shaping caste, Yengde asserts that caste adapts and travels globally, rather than being confined to India. The book connects Dalit struggles with broader global movements, particularly showing parallels with African American experiences and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Yengde’s work enriches caste studies by framing Dalit thought within diverse traditions, including Black radicalism and Caribbean contexts, thus fostering a global dialogue on anti-caste activism. Despite its contributions, the book does have limitations, such as underdeveloped discussions of caste in the Middle East and gender, alongside a stylistic risk of prioritizing narrative over theoretical depth.
The book is written with an activist’s passion, making complex themes accessible without oversimplification. His book repositions caste as a pressing global issue, vital for scholars, activists, and students who seek both rigorous analysis and transformative discourse. Ultimately, Yengde argues that acknowledging the global narrative of caste is essential for constructing a future free from caste-based oppression.
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