Top 50 Most Powerful Castes in India 2025

India’s caste system has been a part of society for thousands of years. Therefore, it continues to shape politics, the economy, and social structures across the country. While the Constitution of India promotes equality, caste identity still plays a major role in voting patterns, business networks, and community influence.

Understanding the Most Powerful Castes in India helps us see how different communities hold influence in various states. Moreover, this list includes forward castes, OBCs (Other Backward Classes), SCs (Scheduled Castes), STs (Scheduled Tribes), and religious groups. Each group has different levels of political, economic, and social power in its region.

Top 50 Most Powerful Castes in India 2025

Brahmins

Brahmins traditionally belong to the priest class and hold influence across India. They are particularly strong in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Delhi. Moreover, they have maintained their presence in education, administration, and religious affairs for centuries.

Rajput / Thakur

Rajputs are known as warrior communities with strong political influence. They dominate in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, they have significant representation in state assemblies and hold considerable land ownership across North India.

Yadav / Ahir (OBC)

Yadavs form one of the largest OBC communities in North India. They have strong political presence in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Additionally, their voting power makes them key players in state and national elections.

Jat (OBC/Forward)

Jats are a powerful agricultural community with major influence in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Western Uttar Pradesh. In Punjab, Jat Sikhs hold substantial power. Consequently, they control local governance and have strong representation in legislative assemblies across these regions.

Maratha / Kunbi (OBC/Forward)

Marathas are the dominant caste in Maharashtra with significant political, economic, and social influence. They have produced many chief ministers and political leaders. Besides, their community forms the backbone of Maharashtra’s agricultural economy and politics.

Patidar / Patel (OBC/Forward)

Patidars, also known as Patels, are economically influential in Gujarat. They control agriculture, business, and trade networks. In addition, they have strong political representation and significant presence in cooperative sectors across Gujarat.

Lingayat (Forward)

Lingayats form a major community in Karnataka with strong political clout. They follow distinct religious practices and have produced several chief ministers. Moreover, they dominate North Karnataka politics and hold influence in business and education sectors.

Vokkaliga (Forward)

Vokkaligas are influential in South Karnataka, particularly around Bengaluru and Mysuru regions. They compete with Lingayats for political dominance. Therefore, Karnataka politics often revolves around balancing power between these two communities.

Reddy (Forward)

Reddys are a powerful land-owning community in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They have dominated state politics for decades and hold significant economic power. Furthermore, many chief ministers have come from this community.

Kamma (Forward)

Kammas are economically and politically influential in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They excel in business, cinema, and politics. Besides, they have strong presence in IT sectors and agricultural industries across both states.

Bhumihar (Forward)

Bhumihars are a land-owning community with strong presence in Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. They traditionally held administrative positions. Additionally, they continue to influence local politics and maintain significant agricultural holdings in these regions.

Kurmi / Kunbi (OBC)

Kurmis are an important OBC community in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. They have significant political representation and voting strength. Consequently, political parties actively seek their support during elections.

Gujjar / Gurjar (OBC/ST)

Gujjars hold influence in Rajasthan, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. They are classified as OBC in some states and ST in others. Moreover, they have been politically active in demanding reservations and better representation.

Thevar / Mukkulathor (OBC)

Thevars are a powerful OBC community in Southern Tamil Nadu. They have strong political influence and cultural identity. Furthermore, they maintain significant presence in local governance and have produced several prominent political leaders.

Vanniyar (OBC)

Vanniyars are concentrated in Northern Tamil Nadu and form a significant OBC community. They have strong political mobilization and voting power. Additionally, they have been demanding higher reservation percentages and greater political representation.

Gounder / Kongu Vellalar (OBC)

Gounders dominate Western Tamil Nadu, particularly the Coimbatore and Erode regions. They are economically prosperous and control textile and agricultural businesses. Besides, they have substantial influence in cooperative institutions and local politics.

Nair (Forward)

Nairs are a forward community in Kerala with historical influence in administration and military. They have strong presence in education, government services, and business. Moreover, they continue to maintain social and cultural prominence across Kerala.

Ezhava / Thiya (OBC)

Ezhavas form the largest OBC community in Kerala with significant political and economic power. They have been politically organized since the social reform movements. Therefore, they play a crucial role in Kerala politics and have strong representation in government.

Kapu (Forward)

Kapus are an influential agricultural community in Andhra Pradesh. They have been demanding OBC status and have significant voting strength. Furthermore, they have produced several political leaders and maintain strong presence in coastal Andhra politics.

Meena (ST)

Meenas are a Scheduled Tribe community with significant presence in Rajasthan. They have good representation in government jobs and politics. Additionally, they benefit from reservation policies and have growing political consciousness and mobilization.

Jatav / Chamar (SC)

Jatavs are a politically active Scheduled Caste community in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. They have strong leadership under BSP and significant voting power. Consequently, they play a crucial role in determining election outcomes in these states.

Paswan / Dusadh (SC)

Paswans are a major SC community in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. They have produced national-level leaders and ministers. Moreover, they have strong political organization and continue to influence Bihar politics significantly.

Kushwaha / Koeri (OBC)

Kushwahas are an important OBC community in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. They are traditionally cultivators with growing political consciousness. Besides, they have been organizing politically and demanding greater representation in governance and administration.

Velama (Forward)

Velamas are a forward community in Telangana with historical warrior background. They have presence in politics and land ownership. Furthermore, they maintain influence in Telangana politics and have produced several prominent leaders.

Nadar (OBC)

Nadars are an economically successful OBC community in Southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They excel in business, particularly retail and trade. Additionally, they have strong educational institutions and maintain significant economic influence in their regions.

Mahishya (OBC/Forward)

Mahishyas are a cultivator community in West Bengal with significant presence in rural areas. They have political representation and agricultural influence. Moreover, they play an important role in West Bengal politics, particularly in rural constituencies.

Kayastha (Forward)

Kayasthas traditionally held administrative and scribal positions in Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. They have strong presence in bureaucracy and education. Furthermore, they maintain influence in professional sectors and continue their legacy in administration.

Khatri (Forward)

Khatris are economically influential in Punjab, Delhi, and Northern India. They dominate trade, business, and professional sectors. Besides, they have strong presence in urban areas and maintain significant economic power across North India.

Saini (OBC)

Sainis are an OBC community in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan involved in agriculture and horticulture. They have growing political awareness and representation. Therefore, political parties increasingly recognize their importance in state elections.

Karan (Forward)

Karans are a forward community in Odisha traditionally involved in administrative work. They have presence in government services and education. Additionally, they maintain cultural influence and continue their legacy in bureaucratic positions.

Khandayat / Chasa (Forward/OBC)

Khandayats are a warrior community in Odisha with significant agricultural presence. They have strong political representation and land ownership. Moreover, they form a major voting bloc in Odisha politics and influence state governance.

Mali (OBC)

Malis are an OBC community spread across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. They are traditionally horticulturists with growing political influence. Furthermore, they have been actively mobilizing for better representation and development schemes.

Dhangar (OBC)

Dhangars are a pastoral OBC community in Maharashtra and Karnataka. They have significant population and voting strength. Besides, they have been politically active in demanding reservations and representation in government.

Bania / Vaishya (Forward)

Banias are a trading community with national economic influence. They dominate retail, wholesale, and financial sectors across India, especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Consequently, they hold substantial economic power.

Chettiar (Forward)

Chettiars are a business community in Tamil Nadu known for banking and money-lending. They have strong economic presence and business networks. Moreover, they have historically controlled credit markets and continue their influence in financial sectors.

Mudaliar (Forward)

Mudaliars are a forward community in Tamil Nadu with presence in agriculture and education. They have political representation and social influence. Additionally, they maintain strong community organizations and educational institutions across Tamil Nadu.

Koli (OBC)

Kolis are an OBC community in Gujarat and Maharashtra, traditionally involved in fishing and agriculture. They have significant population and growing political awareness. Therefore, they are becoming increasingly important in state politics.

Namasudra / Matua (SC)

Namasudras are a Scheduled Caste community in West Bengal with strong political organization. They have significant voting power and political mobilization. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in Bengal politics, particularly in border districts.

Rajbanshi (SC)

Rajbanshis are present in West Bengal and Assam, classified as SC in Bengal. They have been demanding tribal status and political representation. Besides, they maintain distinct cultural identity and have growing political consciousness.

Tyagi (Forward)

Tyagis are a forward community in Western Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana. They are traditionally agriculturists with significant land holdings. Moreover, they have political representation and maintain influence in local governance.

Dheevara / Arayan (OBC)

Dheevara community is concentrated in coastal Kerala, traditionally involved in fishing. They have OBC status and political representation. Additionally, they benefit from welfare schemes targeting fishing communities and have growing economic stability.

Devendra Kula Velalar (SC)

Devendra Kula Velalar are a SC community in Southern Tamil Nadu. They have been politically active in recent years. Furthermore, the community has received special attention from state governments for welfare schemes and development programs.

Bhil (ST)

Bhils are one of India’s largest tribal groups in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. They have reserved seats in assemblies and parliament. Consequently, they maintain significant political influence in tribal-dominated constituencies.

Gond (ST)

Gonds are a major tribal community in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. They have substantial population and political representation. Moreover, they benefit from tribal reservation policies and have growing political participation.

Santhal (ST)

Santhals are a prominent tribal community in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. They have rich cultural heritage and political consciousness. Besides, they have significant representation in tribal areas and maintain strong community organizations.

Adivasi / Tribal Groups

Various Adivasi groups dominate Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and North-East India. They have constitutional protections and reserved seats. Therefore, they exercise substantial political power in their regions and influence state-level governance.

Muslims (Various Jatis/Groups)

Muslims form a significant religious minority with political influence in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, and Jammu & Kashmir. They have diverse social backgrounds. Additionally, their voting patterns significantly impact election outcomes in these states.

Sikhs (Various Jatis/Groups)

Sikhs dominate Punjab, especially Jat Sikhs who control agriculture and politics. They have strong community organization and economic power. Moreover, they maintain significant presence in Delhi and other urban centers across India.

Christian Groups

Christian communities have strong presence in Kerala, Goa, and North-East India. They are influential in education, healthcare, and social services. Furthermore, they have significant representation in their respective states and maintain well-organized community institutions.

Ahom (OBC/Forward)

Ahoms are a historically important community in Assam with warrior heritage. They have political influence and cultural significance. Besides, they have been demanding proper recognition of their historical contributions and better political representation.

The Most Powerful Caste in India varies by region, with different communities holding influence through politics, economics, and social networks. Understanding these dynamics helps in comprehending India’s complex social and political landscape in 2025.