Short Answer 
The Indian caste system is complex, consisting of various castes and subcastes that cannot be identified solely through surnames, as a surname like ‘Gautam’ may belong to multiple communities. To accurately determine caste status, one should consider family history, state-issued certificates, and official records.
Step 1: Understanding the Caste System
The Indian caste system is highly intricate and cannot be simplified to just a surname. It consists of numerous castes and subcastes, each with distinct communities, social status, and regional classifications. This complexity results in a hierarchical structure that defines various social privileges and restrictions.
Step 2: Limitations of Surnames
A surname like ‘Gautam’ does not inherently indicate whether a person belongs to a Scheduled Caste or another classification. The surname can be associated with different communities. Thus, relying solely on a surname for caste identification can lead to inaccurate assumptions.
Step 3: Factors for Caste Verification
To accurately determine someone’s caste status, several factors must be considered beyond just their name. These include the following:
- Family history
- State-issued certificates
- Official records
Only after evaluating these aspects can a person’s caste be effectively confirmed.