Caste ,Class & Occupation
The caste system is a Classification of people into four hierarchically ranked castes called varnas. They are classified according to occupation and determine access to wealth, power, and privilege.
The Brahmans, usually priests and scholars, are at the top. Next are the Kshatriyas, or political rulers and soldiers. They are followed by the Vaishyas, or merchants, and the fourth are the Shudras, who are usually laborers, peasants, artisans, and servants. At the very bottom are those considered the untouchables. These individuals perform occupations that are considered unclean and polluting, such as scavenging and skinning dead animals and are considered outcastes. They are not considered to be included in the ranked castes.
The four orders of Society are believed to have originated from the self-sacrifice of Purusha-the creator, the primeval being and are mentioned in Rig Veda.
There seems to be a constant upward and downward social mobility between the different Varnas.When a lower Varna changed into a higher varna, it was known as jatyutkarsa or uplift of the caste. On the other hand, if a person belonging to a higher varna gradually descended into a lower Varna, it was known as jatyapakarsa or the degeneration of the caste. While the caste system is rigid without possibility of social mobility.
Caste on the other hand may be defined as a hereditary endogenous group which decides the individual‟s status in the social stratification and his profession. Caste is also defined as an aggregate of persons whose share of obligations and privileges is fixed by birth, sanctioned and supported by magic and or religion.
Caste is basically a closed system of stratification, since members are recruited on the criteria of ascribed status. In other words, an individual becomes a member of a caste in which he or she is born. Thus it is an ascribed status. Even if there is social mobility in the caste system through the process of Sankritisation, urbanizations, etc it is only a positional change rather than a structural change.
The main features of caste system in Indian Society are –
(1) Hierarchy
(2) Endogamy and Hypergamy
(3) Pre-fixed occupation of castes
(4) Restriction on food, drink, smoking etc.
(5) Distinction in customs, dress and speech
(6) Differentiation in rituals
(7) Caste based disabilities
(8) Theory of pollution
(9) Criteria of touchability and untouchability
(10) Concept of purity and impurity
(11) Claim of Divine creation
(12) Prohibition on marriages outside one‟s own caste
(13) Location or residences.
The division of Indian society into various castes, together with the practice of untouchability, and the geographic isolation of some tribal communities has meant that these communities have lagged behind others in terms of educational and occupational attainment, political participation and with regard to opportunities for social mobility.
There were many movements and governmental actions that took place pre- and post- independence in order to overcome and attempt to eliminate the inequalities and injustices associated with the caste system. During the national movement, Gandhi began using the term “Harijans” (God‟s people) to refer to the untouchables in order to encourage a shift towards positive Attitude towards the lower castes. B.R. Ambedkar campaigned for greater rights for Dalits in British India, and even after independence.
Theory of Sankritization and Mordernization has lead to the diminishing characteristic of caste system in Indian society.,
The Varna, Jathi/caste system is a complex and nuanced topic. There are many different theories about how the system developed, and its exact origins are still debated by scholars. However, there are some general trends that can be observed.
The first Varna System is believed to have developed in ancient India, around the time of the Rig Veda. This system was based on four main social groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Brahmins were the priests and scholars, Kshatriyas were the warriors, Vaishyas were the merchants and farmers, and Shudras were the laborers.
This system was relatively fluid at first, and people could move between groups based on their occupation or achievements. However, over time, the Varna system became more rigid, and people were increasingly born into their social group. This led to the development of the Jathi/caste system, which is a more rigid system of social stratification.
The Jathi/caste system is based on the idea that people are born into a certain social group, and that they cannot change their social status. This system is hereditary, and people are expected to marry within their own Jathi. The Jathi/caste system is also endogamous, meaning that people are not allowed to marry outside of their own Jathi.
The Jathi/caste system has been criticized for being discriminatory and unfair. It has been argued that the system perpetuates inequality and prevents people from achieving their full potential. However, the Jathi/caste system is still a very important part of Indian society, and it is likely to continue to play a significant role in the future.
The Rig Veda is one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, and it is believed to have been composed around 1500-1200 BCE. The Rig Veda contains many references to the Varna system, and it is clear that the system was already well-established at the time. The Rig Veda describes the four main social groups as follows:
- Brahmins: The Brahmins were the priests and scholars. They were responsible for performing religious rituals and for teaching the Vedas.
- Kshatriyas: The Kshatriyas were the warriors. They were responsible for protecting the kingdom and for fighting in wars.
- Vaishyas: The Vaishyas were the merchants and farmers. They were responsible for producing food and for trading goods.
- Shudras: The Shudras were the laborers. They were responsible for doing manual labor and for serving the other three Varnas.
The Rig Veda also describes the duties and responsibilities of each Varna. For example, the Brahmins were expected to be celibate and to devote their lives to studying the Vedas. The Kshatriyas were expected to be brave and to fight for their kingdom. The Vaishyas were expected to be honest and to trade fairly. The Shudras were expected to be obedient and to serve the other three Varnas.
The Varna system was relatively fluid at first, and people could move between groups based on their occupation or achievements. However, over time, the Varna system became more rigid, and people were increasingly born into their social group. This led to the development of the Jathi/caste system, which is a more rigid system of social stratification.
The Jathi/caste system is based on the idea that people are born into a certain social group, and that they cannot change their social status. This system is hereditary, and people are expected to marry within their own Jathi. The Jathi/caste system is also endogamous, meaning that people are not allowed to marry outside of their own Jathi.
The Jathi/caste system has been criticized for being discriminatory and unfair. It has been argued that the system perpetuates inequality and prevents people from achieving their full potential. However, the Jathi/caste system is still a very important part of Indian society, and it is likely to continue to play a significant role in the future.
Despite its criticisms, the Jathi/caste system has also been praised for its ability to provide social stability and cohesion. The system has helped to preserve traditional Indian values and customs, and it has provided a sense of identity and belonging for millions of people. The Jathi/caste system is likely to continue to evolve in the future, but it is unlikely to disappear completely.
The Varna system is a social hierarchy that has been in place in India for centuries. It is based on the idea that people are born into different groups, or varnas, and that these groups have different levels of status and privilege. The Jathi system is a similar system that is found in some parts of India. It is based on the idea that people are born into different groups, or jathis, and that these groups have different levels of status and privilege.
The Varna system is thought to have originated in the Vedic period, which was around 1500-500 BCE. The Jathi system is thought to have originated later, in the Gupta period, which was around 320-550 CE.
The Varna system is based on the idea that there are four main varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Brahmins are the highest caste, and they are responsible for religious and spiritual matters. Kshatriyas are the second highest caste, and they are responsible for ruling and protecting the people. Vaishyas are the third highest caste, and they are responsible for Trade and Commerce. Shudras are the lowest caste, and they are responsible for manual labor.
The Jathi system is based on the idea that there are many different jathis, or subcastes. Each jathi has its own unique customs and traditions. Some jathis are considered to be higher caste than others.
Both the Varna system and the Jathi system have been criticized for being discriminatory and unfair. They have been accused of perpetuating inequality and injustice. However, both systems continue to exist in India today.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Varna system and the Jathi system:
What is the Varna system?
The Varna system is a social hierarchy that has been in place in India for centuries. It is based on the idea that people are born into different groups, or varnas, and that these groups have different levels of status and privilege.What is the Jathi system?
The Jathi system is a similar system that is found in some parts of India. It is based on the idea that people are born into different groups, or jathis, and that these groups have different levels of status and privilege.When did the Varna system originate?
The Varna system is thought to have originated in the Vedic period, which was around 1500-500 BCE.When did the Jathi system originate?
The Jathi system is thought to have originated later, in the Gupta period, which was around 320-550 CE.What are the four main varnas?
The four main varnas are Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.What are the responsibilities of each varna?
Brahmins are the highest caste, and they are responsible for religious and spiritual matters. Kshatriyas are the second highest caste, and they are responsible for ruling and protecting the people. Vaishyas are the third highest caste, and they are responsible for trade and commerce. Shudras are the lowest caste, and they are responsible for manual labor.What are the different jathis?
There are many different jathis, or subcastes. Each jathi has its own unique customs and traditions. Some jathis are considered to be higher caste than others.What are the criticisms of the Varna system and the Jathi system?
Both the Varna system and the Jathi system have been criticized for being discriminatory and unfair. They have been accused of perpetuating inequality and injustice.Do the Varna system and the Jathi system still exist today?
Yes, both the Varna system and the Jathi system continue to exist in India today.
Here are some MCQs about the Caste System in India:
Which of the following is not a caste?
(A) Brahmin
(B) Kshatriya
(C) Vaishya
(D) Shudra
(E) DalitThe caste system is based on the belief that people are born into different social groups with different levels of status. Which of the following is not a reason for this belief?
(A) The Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, teach that people are born into different castes based on their actions in previous lives.
(B) The caste system is a way of maintaining social order and stability.
(C) The caste system is a way of ensuring that everyone has a place in society.
(D) The caste system is a way of controlling people and keeping them in their place.
(E) The caste system is a way of preserving Hindu culture.Which of the following is not a feature of the caste system?
(A) Endogamy: people are expected to marry within their own caste.
(B) Ascription: caste membership is determined by birth, not by individual achievement.
(C) Occupation: people are expected to follow the occupation of their caste.
(D) Social mobility: people are not allowed to change their caste.
(E) Inequality: castes are ranked in a hierarchy, with some castes considered to be higher than others.Which of the following is not a consequence of the caste system?
(A) Discrimination: people from lower castes are often discriminated against by people from higher castes.
(B) POVERTY: people from lower castes are often poor and have limited opportunities for Education and EMPLOYMENT.
(C) Untouchability: people from the lowest caste, the Dalits, are often considered to be “untouchable” and are shunned by people from higher castes.
(D) Violence: people from lower castes are often the victims of violence, including caste-based massacres.
(E) Suicide: people from lower castes are more likely to commit suicide than people from higher castes.Which of the following is not a reform of the caste system?
(A) The Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste.
(B) The government has implemented affirmative action programs to help people from lower castes.
(C) There has been a rise in awareness of caste discrimination and a growing movement for caste Equality.
(D) The caste system is still a major problem in India, but it is slowly changing.
(E) The caste system is a relic of the past and will eventually disappear.