The reasons are...!!

•) With the economic development, large scale urbanisation, growth of literacy and education, occupational mobility and the weakening of the position of landlords in the villages, the old notions of caste hierarchy are breaking down. 

•)
 Due to socio-economic changes, i.e., now, most of the times, in urban areas it does not matter much who is walking along next to us on street or eating at the next table in a restaurant. 

•) The Constitution of India prohibited any castebased discrimination and laid the foundations of policies to reserve the injustices of the caste system.

**Introduction**

The old notions of caste hierarchy are breaking down due to various reasons. This phenomenon is evident in the changing dynamics of Indian society. In this detailed response, we will explore the reasons behind the breakdown of caste hierarchy.

**1. Economic Factors**

- Economic liberalization and globalization have opened up new opportunities for individuals from lower castes to uplift themselves economically.
- Reservation policies have provided affirmative action and reserved quotas in education and employment for historically disadvantaged castes. This has helped in reducing the economic disparity between castes.
- The growth of the middle class has led to increased social mobility, as individuals are now able to access better education and job opportunities, irrespective of their caste background.

**2. Education and Awareness**

- Education plays a crucial role in breaking down caste hierarchy. With increased literacy rates, people are becoming more aware of their rights and are questioning the discriminatory practices associated with caste.
- Access to quality education has become more widespread, enabling individuals from marginalized castes to acquire knowledge and skills that were once limited to upper castes.
- Social movements and awareness campaigns have also played a significant role in challenging caste-based discrimination and promoting equality.

**3. Urbanization and Migration**

- Urbanization has led to the formation of diverse communities in cities, where caste-based identities are often diluted.
- Migration of people from rural to urban areas has disrupted traditional caste-based networks, leading to a greater mingling of people from different castes and the erosion of rigid caste boundaries.

**4. Inter-caste Marriages**

- Inter-caste marriages are on the rise, challenging the notion of endogamy and promoting social integration. Such marriages help in breaking down caste barriers and fostering a sense of unity among different castes.

**5. Legal Reforms**

- The Indian constitution provides equal rights and prohibits discrimination based on caste. Legal reforms and their implementation have played a significant role in dismantling caste hierarchy.
- Strict laws against caste-based discrimination and untouchability have been enacted to protect the rights of marginalized castes.

**6. Changing Social Attitudes**

- With the spread of modern values and ideas, social attitudes towards caste discrimination are gradually changing.
- The younger generation is more open-minded and less bound by traditional caste norms. They are more likely to challenge caste-based discrimination and promote equality.

**Conclusion**

The old notions of caste hierarchy are indeed breaking down due to a combination of economic factors, education, awareness, urbanization, inter-caste marriages, legal reforms, and changing social attitudes. While progress has been made, it is important to continue striving for a society where caste-based discrimination is completely eradicated, and equal opportunities are available to all.