The caste system is a social stratification system that has been deeply ingrained in the social fabric of many societies, particularly in South Asia, for centuries. It categorizes individuals into hierarchical groups based on their birth, occupation, and social status. The system traditionally consists of four primary castes— Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras (laborers and service providers)—with Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) historically considered outside the caste hierarchy altogether.
Caste system in India:
- The word ‘Caste’ has a Portuguese origin that comes from the word ‘caste,’ which means race.
- Caste is a hereditary and endogamous group with a common name, traditional occupation, culture, and relatively rigid mobility, forming a single homogenous community.
- Its roots are ancient India, but the system was transformed by various ruling elites in medieval, early-modern, and modern India, such as the Mughal Empire and the British Raj.
Concept of Caste:
It is defined as a system of Social stratification which consists of hierarchically arranged closed,endogamous strata where membership is ascriptive,contact is restricted and mobility is theoretically impossible.
| Social Stratification: When there is different access to resources based on their hierarchical arrangement it is known as Social stratification. |
Models of Caste system
| VARNA | JATI |
| Book view. | Field view. |
| It is sourced from religious scripture. | 2. Based on the principle of purity and pollution. |
| Different theories exist. Example. Divine Origin theory, racial theory, Charismatic endowment theory. | 3. Three Characteristics:Separation of contact Hierarchy Occupational division of labour |
Caste System through Ages
- Ancient Age:
- The caste system in India has its roots in ancient times.
- The Rigveda, which is one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, mentions the four main varnas or castes – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Each caste had a specific occupation, and inter-caste marriage was not allowed.
- The caste system was based on the idea of dharma, karma, and reincarnation.
- The Brahmins were at the top of the social hierarchy, followed by the Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
- Colonial Times:
- The colonial period in India began in the 16th century when the Portuguese arrived in India.
- The British colonizers further institutionalized the caste system in India.
- The British introduced the census in 1871, which classified people based on their caste. The British also created laws that reinforced the caste system, such as the Criminal Tribes Act, which labeled certain communities as criminal tribes based on their caste.
- Post-Colonial Times:
- After India gained independence in 1947, the Indian Constitution abolished caste-based discrimination and introduced affirmative action policies to uplift disadvantaged castes.
- The Indian government implemented reservation policies that reserved seats in education, jobs, and politics for lower-caste communities.
- However, the caste system continues to be a major social issue in modern-day India, with instances of caste-based discrimination, violence, and inequality still prevalent in some parts of the country.
Features of Caste System
- Hereditary: Caste is a hereditary system, meaning that a person’s social status is determined by the caste they are born into. There is little or no social mobility between castes.
- Endogamous: Caste is also an endogamous system, meaning that people are expected to marry within their own caste. Inter-caste marriages are often frowned upon and can result in social ostracism.
- Occupation-based: Each caste is associated with a specific occupation, and individuals are expected to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. This has resulted in occupational segregation, with certain castes being associated with specific professions.
- Rigid Hierarchy: The caste system is characterized by a rigid hierarchy, with Brahmins (priests) at the top and Shudras (labourers) at the bottom. Each caste has its own status and privileges, and there is little or no social interaction between different castes.
- Discrimination: The caste system is also characterized by discrimination against lower castes. Members of lower castes often face social and economic exclusion, and are denied access to education, healthcare, and other basic services.
- Ritual purity: The caste system is also based on the concept of ritual purity, with each caste being assigned a particular level of purity or impurity. This has resulted in various forms of social segregation, with members of higher castes refusing to eat, drink or socialize with members of lower castes.
- Civil and religious limitations: Restrictions on contact, dress, speech, and rituals are imposed on every caste group in the form of civil and religious disabilities. These limitations were enforced to maintain the purity of specific caste groups. For example, individuals belonging to lower-caste groups were not allowed to access wells, and they were prohibited from entering temples.
- Manual scavenging: Manual scavenging, which involves the removal of untreated human excreta from bucket toilets or pit latrines, became a caste-based profession. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 has officially abolished it.
- Caste-based violence in India: The rise in caste-based violence is linked to incidents of inter-caste marriage and the Dalit community’s assertion of fundamental rights, such as land rights, freedom of expression, access to justice, and access to education.
- Caste-based reservation policy: The caste-based reservation system in India is a collection of affirmative action measures that reserve access to seats in various legislative bodies, government jobs, and enrollment in higher education institutions. For instance, Scheduled Caste groups are given 15% reservation in government services and educational institutions.
Transformation of the Caste System
Forces of Change
The caste system in India has undergone significant changes over time, and several factors have contributed to these changes. Here are some factors that have affected the changes in the caste system: The caste system in India has undergone significant changes over time, and several factors have contributed to these changes. Here are some factors that have affected the changes in the caste system:
- Industrialisation and urbanisation: The growth of industries and cities has created new opportunities for employment, trade, and commerce, leading to the emergence of a new urban middle class. This has led to a decline in the influence of traditional caste-based occupations and increased social mobility.
- Modern Value System: It is based on rationality or logical thinking. It is challenging Hierarchy based on Purity and Pollution. The introduction of modern education, technology, and social ideas has led to a decline in the influence of traditional caste norms. The spread of modern education has provided opportunities for individuals from lower castes to improve their economic and social status.
- Sanskritisation: This refers to the process by which lower castes emulate the customs and traditions of higher castes in an attempt to improve their social status.
For instance, lower castes may adopt the dress, language, and religious practices of higher castes to elevate their position in society.
- Westernisation: The impact of Western ideas and culture has also led to changes in the caste system. The Western concept of individualism, equality, and democracy has challenged the traditional hierarchical structure of the caste system.
- Role of state:
- Affirmative Action or reservation: Education and economic opportunity along with political power gives opportunity for social mobility.
Since the reservation opportunities were not equally reaped by all, it lead to emergence of class within caste.
(ii) Land Reforms: With the emergence of land reforms there emerged a section who irrespective of their status in traditional caste hierarchy became socially dominant due to land ownership, Numerical Strength and Political Power. Ex- Jaat, Gurjar, Patel etc.
First land reform- Abolition of Zamindari system.
(iii) Mandal commission : With Mandal Commission implementation there was an alternation of Caste system where instead of vertical arrangement with stigma there was a horizontal competition for backward status.
Caste has been dislodged from the religious domain, the concept of purity and pollution has diluted to some extent. However, it has entered the consciousness of people specially during electoral politics.
Ex- Acc. to Bezwada wilson report 472 deaths happened between 2016 to 2020 due to Manual scavenging.
Role of caste in Politics
- Pre-Independence
- Post- Independence
Pre- Independence
- Christian missionaries spread the message of christianity against the dogmatic practices of Hinduism as a reformatory movement.
- With the spread of English language and secular education there was formation of a new westernized elite class which wanted to reform HINDUISM eg- Caste System.
Post-Independence
- After the land reforms there arose the Dominant Caste. Hence , struggle for power between entrenched caste and rising caste.
- Manipulation of lower caste people on caste line both by upper and dominant caste to strengthen their vote bank. This is known as Politicization of Caste.
- With further Industrialization, secular education and multi caste alliances. It was expected that Secular education, Industrialization with multi Caste alliances, caste Identities would cease to exist. However, this phase never emerged; instead there was Casteization of Politics.
Difference between Class and Caste
| Feature | Class | Caste |
| Definition | A social group defined by economic status. | A social group defined by birth. |
| Mobility | Possible to move between classes . | Movement between castes is restricted. |
| Inheritance | Wealth is passed on through inheritance. | Caste is inherited from parents. |
| Occupation | Determined by education and ability | Determined by birth |
| Inter-mixing | Members can inter-marry across classes | Inter-caste marriages are traditionally not allowed |
| Social Hierarchy | Based on wealth and income | Based on birth and traditional occupation. |
| Discrimination | Based on economic status . | Based on birth and caste identity. |
FAQs
Q: What is the caste system?
A: The caste system is a social hierarchy prevalent in India, primarily based on birth, where individuals are categorized into distinct social groups known as castes. Each caste traditionally has its occupations and social status.
Q: What are the key features of the caste system?
A:
- Hierarchy: The caste system is characterized by a rigid hierarchical structure, with Brahmins (priests and scholars) at the top and Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) at the bottom.
- Endogamy: Marriage within one’s own caste is strictly practiced, perpetuating caste boundaries and preventing social mobility.
- Occupational Division: Each caste is associated with specific occupations, which are often hereditary, contributing to the maintenance of caste-based social and economic roles.
- Social Discrimination: Members of lower castes face discrimination and social stigma, leading to inequalities in access to resources, opportunities, and basic human rights.
Q: How has the caste system transformed over time?
A:
- Legal Abolition: Legislation such as the Indian Constitution and various anti-discrimination laws have officially abolished caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
- Reservation Policies: Affirmative action measures, including reservations in education and government jobs, have been implemented to uplift historically marginalized castes.
- Social Movements: Movements advocating for social justice and equality, such as the Dalit and Social Reform movements, have challenged caste-based discrimination and worked towards societal change.
- Economic Changes: Urbanization, globalization, and economic development have contributed to shifts in traditional caste-based occupations and increased opportunities for social mobility.
Q: What are the contemporary challenges associated with the caste system?
A:
- Persisting Discrimination: Despite legal and social reforms, caste-based discrimination continues to persist in various forms, impacting access to education, employment, and social integration.
- Political Exploitation: Caste identities are often exploited for political gain, leading to the perpetuation of caste-based divisions and conflicts.
- Intersecting Inequalities: Caste intersects with other forms of discrimination such as gender, class, and ethnicity, exacerbating inequalities and marginalization.
Q: How can the caste system be further transformed for a more equitable society?
A:
- Education and Awareness: Promoting education and awareness about caste-based discrimination and its impact can help foster empathy, understanding, and social solidarity.
- Policy Interventions: Implementing inclusive policies that address the socio-economic disparities resulting from the caste system and ensure equal opportunities for all.
- Community Empowerment: Empowering marginalized communities through grassroots initiatives, economic support, and capacity-building programs can promote social mobility and reduce dependency on traditional caste-based structures.
- Promotion of Inter-caste Harmony: Encouraging dialogue, cultural exchanges, and inter-caste marriages can help break down caste barriers and foster a sense of unity and inclusivity in society.
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