Are vegetarians perceived as being bigoted, especially by lower castes?
This reflects in other ways. For example, it's well known that in many cities, only certain castes are allowed to rent or buy apartments within certain housing societies and colonies, the excuse used being vegetarianism (and that non-veg cooking stinks, etc.). Many of my friends who are non-vegetarians have to stick to vegetarian food at home, and only eat non-vegetarian on the occasional outing.