Synopsis We approach the analysis of the changing patterns of social stratification in India with the help of a selected set of 'processes'. Therefore, we have avoided as far as possible, analyzing the patterns of changes in the stratification merely with the help of categories, such as caste, and class, or feudalism, capitalism and socialism, because these refer to system-states of stratification rather than its processes. The system-states of stratification are abstractions from the processes themselves, and reflect reality often through ideological presuppositions that may not only be varied but also contradictory. Moreover, in transitional phases of change when stratification system might be passing from one system-state to another, imposition of system categories of stratification over the processes of change might not only be artificial but may also lead to serious distortions of reality.