1). The caste or group that made up the largest proportion of the population was considered to be "the general category".
2). The castes or groups that made up the smallest proportion were considered to be from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented in India. In modern times, they would refer to the Dalits, an official term used for those experiencing discrimination or untouchability. While percentage-wise they may have been a minority, they have still faced persecution and marginalization throughout history. It is believed that this contributed to their lack of representation during the pre-independence period as well as their continued disadvantages today.
3). Casteism has a long history in South Asia where there is evidence indicating its existence since BCE periods (Before Common Era). It has been present in Indian society for thousands of years and has greatly influenced the politics, economics and social structures throughout their history. However, for many years this was not an issue that concerned the public or the government as it was normalized. Thus, during pre-independence times casteism continued to be practiced with little change in modern India.
