<P> A study by Darshan Singh presents data on health and other indicators of socio - economic change in India's historically discriminated castes . He claims: </P> <Ul> <Li> In 2001, the literacy rates in India's lowest castes was 55 percent, compared to a national average of 63 percent . </Li> <Li> The childhood vaccination levels in India's lowest castes was 40 percent in 2001, compared to a national average of 44 percent . </Li> <Li> Access to drinking water within household or near the household in India's lowest castes was 80 percent in 2001, compared to a national average of 83 percent . </Li> <Li> The poverty level in India's lowest castes dropped from 49 percent to 39 percent between 1995 and 2005, compared to a national average change from 35 to 27 percent . </Li> </Ul> <Li> In 2001, the literacy rates in India's lowest castes was 55 percent, compared to a national average of 63 percent . </Li> <Li> The childhood vaccination levels in India's lowest castes was 40 percent in 2001, compared to a national average of 44 percent . </Li>

When did the caste system in india start