IIT Mandi investigates poster citing caste hierarchy; director says students misinterpreted

IIT Mandi has initiated an investigation into a poster titled "Bhagavad Gita - The Timeless Wisdom" that sparked controversy by depicting the varna system with divisions of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.

The institute's director attributed the backlash to a misinterpretation by some students. The poster's framing of the ancient caste hierarchy drew criticism for appearing to endorse varna-based social divisions.

The institute said it is examining the circumstances surrounding the poster's display outside the auditorium and the interpretations it generated.