Good that you mention the need for engagement in these matters and to unpack the history and evolution of caste as an institution in India. There are indeed a number of books you may want to consult —

1. Danielou, A. 2005. India: A Civilization of Differences: The Ancient Tradition of Universal Tolerance. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions.
2. Dirks, N.B. 2001. Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
3. Fárek, M., Jalki, D., Pathan, S., & Shah, P. (Eds.), 2017. Western Foundations of the Caste System. Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan.
4. Guha, S. 2013. Beyond Caste — Identity and Power in South Asia: Past and Present. Leiden: Brill.
5. Jaiswal, S. 1998. Caste: Origin, Function and Dimensions of Change. New Delhi: Manohar Books.
6. Kosambi, D. D. 1944. ‘Caste and Class in India,’ Science and Society, 8:3, p. 243–249.
7. Shourie, A. 2006. Falling over Backwards. New Delhi: Rupa & Co.
8. Vaidyanathan, R. 2019. Caste as Social Capital: The Complex Place of Caste in Indian Society. New Delhi: Westland.

Will be writing more on this in the coming months.