Regarding (1) - Have you ever been to South India my friend? So many of the Brahmins from South India I know, the Aiyyars and the Aiyyangars have dark skin. I was born a Brahmin myself and > 75% of my family members have "dark" skin.
The caste system is definitely racist and a much much bigger problem but this whole linking of skin color to castes is just not true.
The caste system is definitely racist and a much much bigger problem but this whole linking of skin color to castes is just not true.