One of the most distinctive features of Indian society is its division into
various caste groups. Membership in the caste group is conferred by birth. The
members of each caste, residing in specific areas, have common customs and more or
less a similar way of life. There is a variation in the kind and number of castes but due
to hierarchical stratification, the highest and lowest caste is easily identifiable. The
Brahmins are considered to be the higher caste and the lowest rank in the caste
hierarchy was called the lower castes. Under this research, the researcher has mainly
focused on the Scheduled Castes among the lower caste. The present research
attempted to examine the changing socio-cultural practices among SCs and the role of
various rural development programmes in the Prayagraj districts of Eastern Uttar
Pradesh.