Medieval-indian-history / Maratha / Social and Cultural Life
Social and Cultural Life
- Social and Cultural Stagnation:
- In the 18th century, social and cultural life in India stagnated, heavily reliant on traditions and past practices.
- Diversity prevailed, with divisions based on religion, region, tribe, language, and caste, leading to fragmented social structures.
- Upper classes, forming a minority, had distinct social and cultural norms compared to the lower classes.
- Caste System Dynamics:
- The caste system was central to Hindu social life, characterized by rigid divisions and fixed social statuses.
- Brahmins and higher castes held social prestige and privileges, enforcing strict social boundaries.
- Inter-caste marriages and dining were forbidden, with strict enforcement by caste councils.
- Caste determined professions, and violations incurred fines, penances, or expulsion from the caste, leading to social disintegration.
- Muslim Society:
- Despite Islam's call for social equality, Muslims were divided by caste, race, tribe, and status.
- Shia-Sunni tensions occasionally arose among nobles due to religious differences.
- Conversion to Islam often retained caste distinctions, albeit less strictly.
- Higher-status Muslims looked down upon lower-status Muslims, echoing Hindu caste dynamics.
- Family Structure:
- Patriarchal family systems predominated, with senior male dominance and male-line inheritance.
- Matrilineal family structures existed in Kerala, contrasting with patriarchal norms elsewhere.
- Women were primarily relegated to roles as mothers and wives but were accorded respect and honor, even in tumultuous times.
- Scientific and Cultural Neglect:
- Despite past advancements, India neglected mathematics and sciences, remaining unaware of Western scientific progress.
- Tradition deeply influenced education, impeding exposure to external developments.
- Position of Women:
- Women lacked individuality, though exceptions existed such as Ahilya Bai's administration of Indore.
- Peasant women often worked in fields, while lower-class women worked outside to supplement income.
- Purdah was more common among northern upper classes, not practiced in the South.
- Marriage arrangements were decided by family heads, with early marriages, dowry practices, and restrictions on widow remarriage prevalent.
- Sati, practiced mainly in northern states, and the plight of widows were significant social issues.
- Slavery:
- Divided into domestic slaves and land serfs, slavery was prominent.
- Economic hardships drove parents to sell children; slaves were treated as hereditary property.
- European influence expanded the slave trade, particularly in Bengal, Assam, and Bihar.
- Rural slavery persisted despite a proclamation abolishing the slave trade in 1789.
- Education and Learning:
- Education aimed at cultural indoctrination rather than literacy.
- Vocational training based on Varna or family tradition was common.
- Sanskrit literature centers like Chatuspathis and Arabic-Persian madrashas were prominent.
- Elementary education was available through Hindu patshalas and Muslim maktaabs.
- Moral instruction emphasized truth, honesty, obedience, and religious faith.
- Education was more accessible to upper classes, with limited opportunities for lower-class children and minimal interest in female education.
- Development of Science:
- Indian culture lagged behind the West in science and technology during the 18th century.
- Western Europe underwent a scientific revolution, while India remained bound by tradition and superstition.
- Indians were unaware of Western achievements, and rulers showed little interest in Western advancements.
- India's scientific weakness contributed to its subjugation by more advanced countries.
