101 East

Caste in stone

India’s caste system was outlawed in 1950 but caste discrimination still exists.

Age-old traditions continue to rule in modern-day India, where at least 1,000 people are killed in ‘honour killings’ every year.

Very often, they are young lovers who commit the taboo practice of marrying outside of their caste or within the same sub-caste.

The Indian government wants to stamp out such brutality. But politicians risk upsetting some traditional societies if they do.

On this episode of 101 East we ask: Can India shake off the horror of honour killing?

This episode of 101 East airs from Thursday, August 26, at the following times GMT: Thursday: 1230; Friday: 0300; Saturday: 0530, 1730; Sunday: 1130; Monday: 0030; Tuesday: 0600, 1430; Wednesday: 0830; Thursday: 0630.