<–2/”>a >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.
Four broad classification of ‘Prajaati’ (different groups of Jaati) as envisaged by Rishis are Udbhija,Andaja, Pindaja and Ushmaja.
- Udbhija: are the Jaati or group that are coming out of ground like Plants, crops etc.
- Andaja: Jaati or group takes birth from eggs, like birds, reptiles etc.
- Pindaja: Jaati or group are those which are born from womb or say mammals.
- Ushmaja: are those Jaati or group that are reproduced due to temperature and ambient condition like bacteria, virus etc.
- This Prajati (Jaati group) is further classified as jaati based on similar physical characteristic of a Jaati. This is the Jaati created by God (or nature) and can’t cross breed across the Jaati. Now on mammals there are many varieties of Jaati like tiger, dog, cat, human etc. All forms a special Jaati.
- Thus human belongs to one jaati that’s called manav Jaati (or human race). Thus jaati is immobile but doesn’t divide humans! Forget about Indian Population, in fact humans of the World in fact belongs to one Jaati. That’s why Vedas say ‘Vasudhyava Kutumbakam’.
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The Varna System is a Hindu social stratification system that has been in place for centuries. It is a four-tiered system that divides people into four main castes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. There is also a fifth group, the Dalits, who are considered to be outside of the caste system.
The Varna System is based on the belief that people are born into their caste and that they cannot change their caste. This system has been criticized for being discriminatory and for perpetuating inequality. However, it is still a significant part of Hindu society and continues to play a role in the lives of many Hindus.
Caste
A caste is a social group that is hereditary and endogamous. This means that people are born into their caste and cannot change it, and that they marry within their caste. Castes are often associated with specific occupations and social roles.
The Varna System is the most well-known caste system in the world. It is a four-tiered system that divides people into four main castes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. There is also a fifth group, the Dalits, who are considered to be outside of the caste system.
Brahmins
Brahmins are the highest caste in the Varna System. They are the priests and scholars of Hindu society. Brahmins are traditionally responsible for performing religious rituals and for teaching the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.
Kshatriyas
Kshatriyas are the second-highest caste in the Varna System. They are the warriors and rulers of Hindu society. Kshatriyas are traditionally responsible for protecting the people and for upholding the law.
Vaishyas
Vaishyas are the third-highest caste in the Varna System. They are the merchants and farmers of Hindu society. Vaishyas are traditionally responsible for producing and distributing goods and for providing food for the people.
Shudras
Shudras are the fourth-highest caste in the Varna System. They are the laborers and servants of Hindu society. Shudras are traditionally responsible for providing manual labor and for serving the other castes.
Dalits
Dalits, also known as “untouchables,” are the lowest caste in the Varna System. They are considered to be outside of the caste system and are often subjected to discrimination and violence. Dalits are traditionally responsible for the most menial and polluting jobs.
Hindu society
Hindu society is a complex and diverse society. It is made up of people from different castes, religions, and ethnic groups. Despite its diversity, Hindu society is held together by a common set of beliefs and values.
One of the most important values in Hindu society is the importance of family and community. Hindus believe that they are part of a larger family, and that they have a responsibility to care for their family members and to contribute to their community.
Another important value in Hindu society is the importance of Education. Hindus believe that education is essential for leading a good life. They believe that education helps people to understand the world around them and to make wise choices.
Hindu society is also characterized by a strong sense of tradition. Hindus believe that their traditions are important for maintaining order and stability in society. They believe that their traditions help to keep people connected to their past and to their culture.
Social stratification
Social stratification is a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. In most societies, social stratification is based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige.
The Varna System is an example of a system of social stratification. In the Varna System, people are ranked in a hierarchy based on their caste. Brahmins are at the top of the hierarchy, followed by Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Dalits.
Social stratification can have a significant impact on people’s lives. People who are at the top of the hierarchy often have more opportunities and Resources than people who are at the bottom of the hierarchy. This can lead to inequality and discrimination.
Despite its negative effects, social stratification is a common feature of many societies. It is a system that has been in place for centuries, and it is likely to continue to exist for many years to come.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the Caste System in India:
What is the caste system?
The caste system is a social hierarchy that divides people into different groups based on their birth. It is a system that has been in place for centuries and is still practiced in many parts of India.How does the caste system work?
The caste system is based on the idea that people are born into different groups and that these groups are ranked in a hierarchy. The highest caste is the Brahmin caste, followed by the Kshatriya caste, the Vaishya caste, and the Shudra caste. The lowest caste is the Dalit caste, which is also known as the “untouchables.”What are the different castes?
The four main castes in the Indian caste system are the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, the Vaishyas, and the Shudras. The Brahmins are the highest caste and are traditionally priests and scholars. The Kshatriyas are the warrior caste and are traditionally rulers and soldiers. The Vaishyas are the merchant caste and are traditionally traders and farmers. The Shudras are the laboring caste and are traditionally artisans and servants.What are the different sub-castes?
There are many different sub-castes within each of the four main castes. These sub-castes are often based on occupation, region, or language.What are the benefits of being in a higher caste?
People in higher castes have traditionally enjoyed many benefits, including better education, higher-paying jobs, and more social status.What are the disadvantages of being in a lower caste?
People in lower castes have traditionally faced many disadvantages, including discrimination, POVERTY, and lack of access to education and EMPLOYMENT.Is the caste system still practiced in India?
Yes, the caste system is still practiced in India, although it is not as rigid as it once was. Many people in India are now working to abolish the caste system, but it is still a major factor in Indian society.What is the government doing to address the caste system?
The Indian government has taken some steps to address the caste system, such as passing laws that prohibit discrimination based on caste. However, these laws have not been fully implemented and the caste system remains a major problem in India.What can be done to abolish the caste system?
There are many things that can be done to abolish the caste system, such as education, awareness-raising, and Social Change. It is important to remember that the caste system is a complex issue and there is no easy solution. However, with time and effort, it is possible to abolish this harmful system.
Question 1
The Varna System is a social hierarchy that divides people into four groups. Which of the following is not one of the four groups?
(A) Brahmins
(B) Kshatriyas
(C) Vaishyas
(D) Shudras
(E) Dalits
Answer
(E) Dalits are not one of the four groups in the Varna System. Dalits are also known as “untouchables” and are considered to be outside of the Varna System.
Question 2
The Varna System is based on the belief that people are born into their social position. Which of the following is not a belief associated with the Varna System?
(A) People are born into their social position because of their karma in a previous life.
(B) People can change their social position through hard work and good deeds.
(C) People should not marry outside of their social group.
(D) People should not eat with or drink from people of a lower social group.
(E) People should not touch people of a lower social group.
Answer
(B) People can change their social position through hard work and good deeds is not a belief associated with the Varna System. The Varna System is a rigid social hierarchy that is not open to change.
Question 3
The Varna System has been criticized for being discriminatory and for perpetuating inequality. Which of the following is not a criticism of the Varna System?
(A) The Varna System is based on the belief that some people are born superior to others.
(B) The Varna System prevents people from achieving their full potential.
(C) The Varna System perpetuates social inequality.
(D) The Varna System is not compatible with modern values of Equality and social Justice.
(E) The Varna System is a relic of the past and has no place in modern society.
Answer
(A) The Varna System is not based on the belief that some people are born superior to others. The Varna System is based on the belief that people are born into their social position because of their karma in a previous life.
Question 4
The Varna System has been reformed in recent years. Which of the following is not a reform that has been made to the Varna System?
(A) The government has banned discrimination based on caste.
(B) The government has made it illegal to practice untouchability.
(C) The government has introduced affirmative action programs to help people from lower castes.
(D) The government has made it compulsory for all schools to teach about the Varna System.
(E) The government has made it illegal to use caste-based surnames.
Answer
(D) The government has not made it compulsory for all schools to teach about the Varna System. However, the government has made it compulsory for all schools to teach about the history of India, which includes a discussion of the Varna System.
Question 5
The Varna System is still a significant part of Indian society today. Which of the following is not a way in which the Varna System is still practiced today?
(A) People are still often identified by their caste.
(B) People are still often expected to marry within their caste.
(C) People are still often expected to follow the traditional occupations of their caste.
(D) People are still often discriminated against based on their caste.
(E) People are still often denied access to education and employment opportunities based on their caste.
Answer
(A) People are not always identified by their caste today. In recent years, there has been a movement to abolish the caste system and to treat all people equally. However, the caste system is still a significant part of Indian society and many people are still identified by their caste.