Synopsis for proposed dissertation (Paper 4.

01)

Title:- Concept of Varnashrama Dharma in traditional Indian Society:

A study with special reference to Present need

A Research proposal submitted to the Department of Philosophy

K. B. V. S. & A. S. University, Nalbari

By-

Tutumani Das

Exam Roll No- 40

Class- 4th semester

Department of Philosophy

Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University, Nalbari

 1

Main Body

Statement of the Problem:-

From the ancient Hindu society the law of Varnashrama Dharma has been

considered in India. It is divided into four Varna’s and also four Ashrama’s.

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras are the four Varna’s or Castes lived

in ancient Indian society. There Brahmins were treated as the higher Caste and

other three Varna-Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras are treated as the lower Caste

in Hinduism. Here the first and foremost problem is that people of the lower Caste

are not seen as prominent citizens of the country, they always got secondary grade

citizen treatment from their own religion. Moreover, in ancient Indian society, the

people of lower Caste also didn’t have the right to enter the temples which were

exclusively served by the upper Caste Brahmins. And they had no right to worship

the deities in the temple. In this system of India, people of the higher Caste got

privileges over the lower Caste people. The lower Castes were oppressed by the

higher castes. The Shudras were treated badly and were not allowed to come to

public places. Even his shadow was considered profane by upper Caste people.

Inter-feeding and inter-mixing with lower Castes was not permitted. In this thesis I

want to show how the people of ancient Indian society of Hinduism the Caste
 2

system are divided and how it impacts on the present Indian society, and also how

to help people of India to achieve liberation or ultimate goal of their life with the

help of Ashrama system. Here, I shall try to discuss the views of M. K. Gandhi and

B. R. Ambedkar on the Caste system of India. In this Chapter, an attempt has been

made to study the perspective of Caste and untouchability of Gandhi and

Ambedkar.

Objective:-

The Varna and the Ashrama are an important part in Indian society. The

principle of Varnashrama Dharma is one of the basic principles of Hinduism. The

aim of Varnashrama Dharma is to promote the external dharma. The main purpose

of the Varnashrama Dharma in social system is to provide a structure allowing

people to work according to their natural tendencies and to organize society. So

that everyone, regardless of their position, makes spiritual advancement. It is the

only religion that keeps a nation alive. Dharma is the soul of man and it also the

soul of a nation. The ultimate purpose of Varnashrama Dharma is to rise above

Varna and Ashrama Dharma and achieve the highest goal of life or Moksha.
 3

Methodology:- The methodology use for the study is analytic and descriptive.

This paper has prepared with the help of secondary data. The secondary data and

information are collected from book, journal and websites.

Tentative Organization of Chapters:-

1. Introduction

2. Concept of Varnashrama Dharma in Hinduism

3. Gandhi and Ambedkar’s Conception of Caste System

4. Relevance of the Varnashrama Dharma in Present Indian Society

5. Conclusion

Bibliography:-
1. Sanyal, J. (1994). Guide to social Philosophy. Kolkata: Sribhumi Publishing House.

2. Pruthi, R. K. (2004). Indian Caste System. New Delhi, Delhi, India: Discovery Publishing
House.

3. Sharma, A. (2008). Introduction to Hindu Dharma. (M. O. Fitzgerald, Ed.) Bloomington,

Indiana: World Wisdom.

4. Radhakrishnan, S. (1926). the Hindu View of Life. Harpar Coolins.

5. Ghurye, G. (1950). Caste and Race in India (2nd ed.). Bombay: Popular Prakashan Private
Limited.

6. Sharma, R. S. (1980). Shudras in Ancient India (2nd rev. ed. ed.). Delhi: Motilal
Banarsidass Publication.
 4

7. Gandhi, M. K. (1947). India of My Dreams. Ahmedabad: Navajivan Publishing House.

8. Chakrabarti, S. C. (2008). New selections from The Brahmanas. Debasish Bhattacharjee

Sanskrit Pustak Bhandar.

9. Leaman, O. (Ed.). (2001). Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy. London: Routledge II New

Fetter Lane.

10. 11. Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. (1987). Revolution and Counter Revolution in Ancient India (Vol.
3). India: Dr.Ambedkar Foundation.

11. Swain, B. (2004). The Dharmasastra:An Introductory Analysis. Akshaya Prakashan.

Articles-
1. Barman, D. K. (2015). Varnashramadharma and Present Society: A study in Gandhian
Perspective. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Review , Vol-I (Issue-8),
170-172.

2. Sharma, A. (1978). The Purusasukta:Its relation to the Caste System. Journal of the
Economic and Social History of the Orient , Vol-XXI ( Part III), 294-303.

Websites-
1. www.Yourarticlelibrary.com
2. https://www.britannica.com
3. https://www.sociologyignou.com
4. Research gate.net
5. https://www.iep.utm.edu
6. www.Plato.standford.edu