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Comic

Does the caste system exist in the US?

Aish is set a school assignment on whether the Indian caste system still exists. Between her friends, a dinner at Nila's house, and her parents on the phone about a cousin's marriage, she finds her answer at home.

Credit
Ambedkar King Study Circle
Length
21panels
Published
October 25, 2025
  • Caste discrimination
  • Religion and culture

Every panel carries a transcript of the words drawn inside it, and can be opened full screen. Use the arrow keys to move between panels once one is open.

  1. A quiet suburban street at night, lit by streetlamps under a crescent moon, with silhouetted houses in the distance. A speech bubble floats over the empty road with no visible speaker.
    Panel 1 of 21
    Transcript
    1. Does the caste system exist in the US?
  2. Aish stands alone in an empty classroom with a pink backpack, her glasses pushed up on her head and her hand raised to her chin in a thoughtful pose.
    Panel 2 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAish was lost in thought in school that day. She had an assignment to complete- on "Does the Indian caste system exist today"
    2. ThinksHmmm. Does the caste system really exist? I have heard mom talk about how the Britishers invented it to divide and rule India.
  3. Aish sits on a bus among passengers shown only as dark silhouettes, her expression troubled and uncertain as she stares ahead.
    Panel 3 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionFrankly, such a system appalled and frightened her. She knew people could treat other people badly. But this sounded so very wrong... and unreal.
    2. ThinksI understand what racism is... somewhat. People look different and are treated different. Which is wrong. But caste system? How do you even tell what caste someone belongs to? How can it be real?
  4. Aish stands with arms crossed and a skeptical expression, facing three smiling Indian friends on a bold blue geometric background.
    Panel 4 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAish thought about all her Indian friends.
    2. ThinksBut my Indian friends... How can there be differences amongst us? Who can even tell?
  5. Nila in a red striped shirt and Aish stand together under a spotlight against a deep blue background, both smiling warmly at each other.
    Panel 5 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionEspecially Aish and her best friend, Nila. They were basically two peas in a pod! Everyone who knew them said so! Their teachers called them attached at the hip. They did everything together!
    2. ThinksSurely the two of us cannot be different in any way!
  6. Two figures shown only as dark silhouettes — one with long hair handing a small mug to a shorter girl — lit by a circle of pale light against a grey background.
    Panel 6 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAs she thought of Nila, a recent memory came back to her, making her feel suddenly sad.
  7. Nila and Aish stand side by side in Nila's kitchen, both grinning broadly; Aish holds a large red mug.
    Panel 7 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAish had recently visited Nila's house for the first time. Nila showed off her tea making skills, and the two of them had played checkers till Nila's mom came home from work.
  8. Nila's mom stands smiling beside the dinner table while Nila and Aish sit before a large roast chicken; Aish's face is lit up with delight.
    Panel 8 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionNila's mom offered her dinner, and Aish happily ate the roast chicken and rice.
    2. AishSo yum!!!
  9. Aish and her mom face each other in their darkened kitchen, Aish looking frustrated and her mom appearing calm but firm.
    Panel 9 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionHowever, Aish's mom had been mildly upset at her for having eaten chicken at her friend's house. They didn't cook meat at home- but Aish always ate meat outside and at school, and her mom knew that!
    2. AishBut I love roast chicken! What's wrong with eating at Nila's house?
    3. Aish's momThat's not the same as eating outside. It's just... different. It's ok, don't worry about it now!
  10. Nila and Aish stand close together laughing, Nila placing a friendly hand on Aish's arm.
    Panel 10 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAish had insisted that Nila visit her house the next Saturday.
    2. NilaLet me beat you at checkers again hahaha
  11. Aish stands between Nila and her own mom; Nila has her arms crossed and looks uncertain while Aish's mom faces her with a friendly but inquisitive expression.
    Panel 11 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionWhen Aish's mom came home, though, she seemed to have a thousand questions for Nila.
    2. Aish's momWhat is your full name Nila? Mom's and Dad's names? Where do they work? Do you have family in India? Where do they live?
  12. Nila sits on the left looking uncomfortable, Aish in the centre looks uneasy, and Aish's mom on the right smiles as she speaks.
    Panel 12 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAnd when they sat down to eat, her mom said something that Aish didn't quite like.
    2. Aish's momI know how to make only vegetarian food here... It'll be a good detox for you to have a pure veg meal haha
  13. Aish stands in the bus aisle with her pink backpack, looking pensive and sad as the other passengers sit as dark silhouettes around her.
    Panel 13 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionHer reverie was broken when the bus reached her stop.
    2. ThinksNila didn't say anything afterwards... But I think I enjoyed visiting her house way more than she did visiting mine...
  14. Aish, arms crossed, faces her mother in a red dress and her father in a burgundy blazer in their sunlit backyard garden, a white picket fence and colourful flowers behind them.
    Panel 14 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAish was determined to ask her parents for help on her assignment. Surely- they would be the experts!
    2. Aish's momHow was school?
    3. AishWas good...I need some help with an assignment though
    4. Aish's dadSure thing, what is it?
  15. Aish watches with arms crossed as her excited mother exclaims and her father holds up his ringing phone in the backyard garden.
    Panel 15 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAt that moment, her dad's cell phone rang, and both her parents got excited.
    2. Aish's momIt's Ankita! Must be calling to talk about the marriage proposal!
    3. Aish's dadOhh put the call on speaker!
  16. Aish smiles with a thought bubble while her parents engage in the phone call; her father holds the phone up and speaks into it with a grin.
    Panel 16 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionHer older cousin Ankita was getting married! Aish got excited. Marriages meant dressing up, sweets, going to visit cousins in India, dancing, party and a whole lot of fun.
    2. ThinksWho is Ankita di getting married to???
    3. Aish's dadYes Ankita, your aunt is also here! So, you spoke to Rahul? You like the guy?
  17. Inside a large pink heart, Ankita in a pink salwar kameez smiles at a man whose face is replaced by a large yellow question mark; Aish stands grinning in the bottom corner.
    Panel 17 of 21
    Transcript
    1. CaptionAnkita was one of Aish's favourite older cousins who lived in India. She would choose the best guy!
  18. Aish scowls with arms crossed as her father walks through the garden speaking cheerfully into the phone while her mother listens beside him.
    Panel 18 of 21
    Transcript
    1. Aish's dadYes yes, I know it's hard to decide over just a couple phone calls- but he works at a MAANG and is so well-educated, Ivy League afterall!
  19. Aish listens with arms crossed and a troubled expression as both her parents continue to speak enthusiastically about the prospective match.
    Panel 19 of 21
    Transcript
    1. Aish's momHe's so well-mannered!
    2. Aish's dadThese life decisions you have to make based on these factors only! The family is so well-settled as well!
  20. Aish reacts with visible shock, small white impact marks around her head, as her parents close out their praise of the prospective match.
    Panel 20 of 21
    Transcript
    1. Aish's momBest match! What is there to think more?
    2. Aish's dadAnd he's one of us, down to the sub-caste!
  21. Aish, arms crossed but now thoughtful, listens as her mother turns to ask about the school assignment while her father holds the phone to his ear.
    Panel 21 of 21
    Transcript
    1. Aish's momWhat were you going to ask about Aish? What is the assignment?
    2. AishHmmm, I think I got this. I do have a lot of questions that I want to think about and ask you both soon!

First published at https://akscusa.squarespace.com/comics.