Caste system

It is a detailed note on caste system in india

1. Caste system in India Priya Chaturvedi [email protected]

2. Introduction The word “caste” is a Portuguese word which means breed. In Indian society, the word caste system or varna ashrama means – division of occupation and money. “Castes are special form of social classes, their customs and laws are rigid and also separate from one another”. - krober [email protected]

3. Philosphies [email protected]

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5. Division of caste B rahmans – These are highest rank people. There duties are educating the children, offering yagyas , study & teach Vedas, performing religion ceremonies. It is believed that they live or others and not for themselves. Lead very simple lifestyle- live in small houses, wear simple clothes and believe in simplicity. [email protected]

6. Kshatriya Military or ruling class. The word means – power & rule Their duty is to protect people, upholding justice and administration. Include soldiers and kings. They are the worshiper of Lord Rama, shiva. [email protected]

7. Vaishya It is known as “Merchant class” Their duties include – agriculture, trade, cattle rearing. Helps in economic development . These are worshippers of “ laxmi ” [email protected]

8. Shudras Non- Aryan class. These include: artists , labours , washers, tanners etc. The shudras are the only section of society allowed to accept another’s employment; other varnas are occupationally and financially self-sufficient, Considered as “untouchables”. [email protected]

9. CHARACTERISTICS OF CASTE SYSTEM Segmental division of society - he society is divided into various castes, the membership of which is determined by the consideration of birth. The status of a person does not depend on his wealth but on the traditional importance of the caste in which he is born. [email protected]

10. Hierarchy - The whole society is divided into distinct classes with a concept of high and low. Thus Brahmans in India stand at the apex of the social ladder while the Sudras occupied the lowest rank. Occupational restrictions : specific occupations are assigned to each of the four castes. Members of any caste are not allowed to take to any occupation which are degrading or impure [email protected]

11. Restrictions on food habits – Brahmans are not allowed to eat non-veg, consume liquor. Endogamy : Members of a caste must marry only persons belonging to their caste . [email protected]

12. Merits Unity in diversity: It has achieved a graded racial and cultural harmony in India. Co-operation : It has fostered the spirit of co-operation and fellow-feeling among members of the same caste. Economic security : By guaranteeing different types and fixed types of occupations for every man and social group, the caste system has given economic security . Cultural diffusion : The caste customs, beliefs, skill, behaviour , the trade secrets are passed on from generation to generation. Culture is thus carried from one age to another. [email protected]

13. Preserves culture - Caste system is specially fit for such a task of handing over cultural patterns from one preceding generation to the other succeeding generation with little change, because craft secrets and caste customs are zealously safeguarded and perpetuated by the occupational castes. [email protected]

14. Demerits Wrong occupation : An individual may not be skilled or interested in his caste trade but may be talented and capable of some other pursuit which by caste conventions may be prohibited. Undemocratic : The caste system denies equal rights to all irrespective of their caste, creed or colour . Untouchability : It leads to untouchability. According to Mahatma Gandhi it is “the hate-fullest expression of caste.” Large section of people is reduced to the state of virtual slavery [email protected]

15. Promotes casteism : The members belonging to a caste carry caste feelings and manifest blind and over-riding loyalty to their caste [email protected]

16. Abolition of caste system ( reformers) Kabir – famous hindu poet was against caste system. He awakened people through his poetry. He taught people how to treat others. Article 17 abolishes “ untouchability”. B.R Ambedkar criticised orthodox Hinduism. Gandhi ji called them “Harijans”. Arya samaj – founded in 1875. Arya samaj strictly banned division of people on the basis of caste. [email protected]

17. जाती न पूछो साधू की, पूछ लीजिये ज्ञान । मोल करो तलवार का, पड़ा रहने दो म्यान साधु ऐसा चाहिए जैसा सूप सुभाय। सार-सार को गहि रहै थोथा देई उडाय। [email protected]