One of the most common sights on the roads of India are trucks and buses roaring by with a name displayed on top of their cab or inside the windshield. These names, signifying the owner or driver’s caste, are used for many reasons.

On a bus it is used as a fast reference to potential customers, of the same of similar level caste, that a particular bus line is acceptable to use. Or, whether it is not acceptable and the person should find a different bus service. On a commercial truck, it is also used in the same manner. People in need of transporting large goods will contract with owners of trucks within the same or similar level castes. By displaying the caste name in an obvious manner up front, individuals know immediately where they stand with a driver or owner.

Showing the caste name can also be out of pride which helps other drivers determine who to associate with at night or during other rest periods. Also, a helping hand from a similar caste member is much easier to find when needed.