After India got it's independence, many great people tried to abolish the caste system of India. One prominent name was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. When he tried to uproot it through the use of law, he was faced with opposition from Hindus themselves. This system was kept in place so that a section of people can be exploited forever.

I have seen places where caste doesn't matter at all in India but unfortunately this system is prevalent in the very fabric of Indian society. Even at the places where it doesn't matter you'll still hear about it even if it is just a curious query from somebody.