Final answer:
The caste system in India created a strict social hierarchy that dictated a person's status, occupation, and marriage prospects, which continued to influence society despite being officially dismantled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The caste system in India had a profound effect on Indian society by determining the social hierarchy and limiting social mobility. It decided who would be at the top of society and maintained a rigid structure that individuals were born into and seldom could change.
Caste systems are closed stratification systems where social standing is typically immutable. The caste dictated not only one's social status but also one's occupation, marriage partner, and overall opportunities in life. Despite the official dismantling of the caste system, its influence persists, affecting societal interactions, especially in rural areas.