VARNA AND CASTE SYSTEM IN

ANCIENT INDIA
INTRODUCTION

VARNA:THE CONCEPT

GENESIS OF VARNA : THEORIES RELATING TO
ITS ORIGIN (division of labour ,colour ,historical
evolutionary theory)

WESTERN VIEW ON VARNA SYSTEM: Initial two-
fold social division into Aryans & Non- Aryans on
the basis of colour &dynamics of power eventually
giving way to four fold Varna system.

HINDU PHILOSOPHY ON VARNA :Divine origin as
described in 23 Purushasukta hymn of 10
mandala of Rig Veda.
Contd
SALIENT FEATURES OF VARNA SYSTEM
(Rig Vedic Period)
Open system
Four-fold division
Scope for social mobility
Occupational basis-acquired status
Flexible system
No evidence of untouchability & social taboos
Factors responsible for evolution of
caste system in India
Selfishness of the priestly class
Geographical isolation / Migration of groups
New crafts & occupations
Foreign invasions
Principle of Ahimsa
Inter caste marriages
Impact of Islam
Other miscellaneous factors:neglect of established
customs,adoption of new religious practices,ideas
of exclusive family ancestor worship and
sacramental meal,belief in reincarnation and
doctrine of karma,state policies etc.
Caste System in Later Vedic & Post-
Vedic Period:The Changes
Four fold division became more defined
Characteristics of caste system came to the
forefront with system becoming more rigid in
terms of:-
Social hierarchy
Concept of purity and pollution
Less scope for mobility
Upper two social orders becoming more dominant
Less scope for social mobility in view of fixation of occupation(
birth based)
Distinct customs and traditions for each caste and caste
panchayats to ensure their adherence
Disabilities being imposed on the lower orders
Untouchability emerging as a phenomenon in post Vedic times
with system becoming more rigid and discriminatory(Chandals,
Nishads, Venas)


VARNA DHARAMA AS REFLECTED IN THE
SMRITIS-MANUSMRITI
BRAHMANAS
Qualities

Peacefulness
Purity
Knowledge
Tolerance
Wisdom



Duties

Understand Vedic
Scriptures
Perform Rituals
Advisory Function
Privileges-Received
Charity, Dakshina and
commanded respect
KASHTRIYAS
Qualities

Heroism,Courage
Power, Leadership
Determination
Resourcefulness

Duties

Protect all the citizens
Punish and Correct
the wrongdoers
Respect the Brahmins
VAISHYAS
Qualities

Hardworking
Obedient
Good at productive
activities
Efficient
Duties

Act according to the
dictates of the
Brahmanas and
Kashtriyas
Pay taxes to them
Pay wages to the
Shudras

SHUDRAS-MANU HARSH ON THEM
Negative Traits

Lack of intelligence
Stealing habits
Clever and Conniving

Positive Traits
Manual/Physical
Strength

Duties

Engaged in manual
labour
Menial Services
Art and Craft
Worked for the welfare
of upper orders
MERITS & DEMERITS OF CASTE SYSTEM
MERITS:
Preserved Hindu religion and culture
Means of expansion of Hinduism
Promoted economic strength and efficiency
Maintained so called purity of blood
Fostered feelings of brotherhood,fellowship and sympathy
among members of same caste
DEMERITS:
A disintegrating factor
Hindrance in the path of defence
Generated social inequalities & social evils like
untouchability
Paved way for exploitation of weaker sections of society
Marred the growth of progressive outlook among Hindus
An obstacle in the path of individual liberty