The origin of caste system was to have excellence in all spheres. Brahmins were given the highest order but were barred from amassing wealth, as money and wisdom are mutually exclusive. The one who runs after money can never attain the power of wisdom. Brahmins were expected to live on alms and keep preaching and praying for the goodness of the soceity. As long as they were doing this, there was no problem. Even in the pre_British history of India Brahmins started occupying positions of power as Rajagurus. As you all know, power corrupts. Very few people like saint Ramanuja carried on the good work of breaking the caste based discriminations. After the invasion of British, they found that by trading favours to upper caste, the country can be ruled. Only very few from the upper caste fought for freedom. All others occupied positions of power. In Tamilnadu the scene was bit different, the justice party offered an Olive Branch to British Rulers and gained proximity to British Rulers competing with Brahmins. Whether in Ancient India or Preindependence India or the post independence India Brahmins have been used as Tools by ruleres to exploit the masses. Since the community allowed itself to be used as a tool , it is taking the beating now. It can make a come back, if it takes up the noble profession of teaching instead of running after money. How many Brahmins are ready to give up their jobs in Software Industry and take up teaching as a social service ?
