The Caste System

Introduction

The caste system, the “hidden

apartheid”, was originally a method
of keeping the Aryan bloodline pure
from Dravidians by avoiding
intermarriages and dividing jobs per
caste for specialization. But, It has
changed into a socio-economic
stratification for Indian society.
 Caste System
A social structure
used to designate
any social class of
extreme rigidity. It
is composed of four
varna or classes,
and from this, a
rank-order of
different subcastes
or jati was formed.
HISTORY
 Rooted in Hinduism, India’s
complex Caste system includes
3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-
castes
 By following his qualities of
work, every man can become
perfect. So the Vedas
recognize different people
have different skills and
qualifications, but it is not by
birth, it is by guna
(qualification) and karma
(work).
THE DIFFERENT CASTES
Brahmins - Priests, Scholars
Brahmins were "created
from the mouth of Brahma"
(the chief god), so that they
might instruct mankind.
Since knowledge is the only
thing that remains with a
person throughout life,
Brahmins, as teachers, were
highly respected. The
Brahmins conducted the
daily rites, the purification
ceremonies, sacrifices, and
taught the Vedas.
- The first and the highest class
- Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity,
tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and
religiousness– these are the natural qualities
by which the brahmanas work.
- They were to be kind and gentle. For this, they
earned certain privileges and were treated
almost like gods by commoners and kings alike.
 Kshatriyas - Ruler, warriors
-They manage the land, military
service, and administration.
- Heroism, power,
determination,
resourcefulness, courage in
battle, generosity and
leadership are the natural
qualities of work for the
ksatriyas.
 The Kshatriyas were kings and warriors.
They were said to have come from the
arms of Brahma, meaning that their role in
society was the protection of people and
livestock
 They were supposed to be brave and fearless,
and to live and die by a code of honor and
loyalty. They could eat meat and drink liquor.
Their most exalted death was to die in battle.
Vaisyas – Merchants, Traders
- The third class composed
of traders, shopkeepers,
moneylenders, farmers,
and artisans; Trading and
banking.
- Farming, cow protection
and business are the
natural work for the
vaisyas
 The Vaishya's duty was to ensure the
community's prosperity.  The Vaishya were
said to have come from Braham's thighs.

 Typically stricter in observing their

dietary rules and avoiding any kind of
ritual pollution
 Sudras – Labourers
The Shudras took over the
jobs of farming, herding,
craft workers and manual
labor for the higher
classes. At times they were
treated like slaves.
- Classified into two: Clean
and Lower
 Clean Sudras
- Endogamous peasant castes; free
to intermarry and are allowed more
freedom in social relations.

Lower Sudras
-Those with very specialized but less
respected professions such as those
of potters, blacksmiths, carpenters,
weavers, etc.
 The Chandalas – Untouchables
 The Chandalas were considered outside of the
system of the other castes. They did not live
within the cities or villages, nor were they allowed
to enter during the day. At night they could enter
to scavenge and collect night soil (manure).
 They had to move off the path if someone from a
higher class approached because contact with
such people was "contaminating".
 Untouchables were denied access to public wells
 Cups were tied around
their necks to capture
any spittle that might
escape their lips and
contaminate roads and
streets.
 They were forbidden to
learn to read and write,
and were prohibited from
listening to any of the
traditional Hindu texts.
 RIGVEDIC PERIOD
• More flexible than today’s caste
system; it was even possible to
change the castes if necessary.

POST-VEDIC PERIOD
• The caste system became more
rigid/ stricter.
 EFFECTS of Caste System
Social
Banning of inter-caste marriages.
Political
Domination of higher castes in
Indian government
Economical
Limitation of jobs/occupations
 CHALLENGES against
Caste System
• Formations of pro-equality religions
such as Buddhism.
• International movements led by
organizations such as United
Nations.
• Laws issued by the Constitution of
India.
 Impact on Present and Future
• Rigidity and strictness in urban
areas are weakened due to better
implementation of laws.
• Discrimination of lower castes is still
common in rural areas.
• The Caste System which has a long
history of discrimination, is difficult
to be taken out of one’s life.
 International Community
• United Nations (UN) is set to declare
the caste system as a human rights
abuse.
Efforts of Indian Government
• The Outlawing of the use of
untouchablity/Dalits.
• Usage of affirmative action, or positive
discrimination.
 Criticism on the system
 Some activists think the system is a form of racial
discrimination
 Lower castes aren’t allowed to go to the high castes areas
 Lower castes have to drink water from public wells
 Mustn’t visit the same temples as the higher castes
 Often sit in the back of classrooms
 Many Hindus are persuaded that the system is a part
of the society and not with Hinduism backgrounds
 Observers think the caste system is a system of
exploitation of poor lower castes by the higher