Characteristics of Caste System

The features of Caste System are discussed by many sociologists like G.S. Ghurye, T.S. Madan,
Louis Dumont, etc. and on its basis following characters can be identified:
a. Segmental division of society
b. Unchanging stratified system
c. Ascribed by birth or innate
d. Hierarchical
e. Restrictions on food habits, occupation and social relations
f. Endogamy
g. Based on pure and impure belief of Hindu Religion
h. Caste is a rigid system because the membership is unalterable
i. Lack of charismatic criteria in caste system
j. Social and religious disabilities and special rights
a. Segmental Division of Society: It means that social stratification is largely
on membership to a caste group is acquired by birth, on the basis of
which people are ranked in relative to other caste groups. Caste system
divides society into small groups. Each group is well developed. The
membership of the group is based on birth. So the caste mobility is
restricted. Under no circumstance one can change one’s caste. A
member of the caste group is bound to follow the norms and values of
the group.
b. Unchanging stratified system:
c. Ascribed by birth or innate: Caste is determined by birth. A child is born
into the caste of its parents. Caste is never matter of choice. One can never
change one’s caste, leave it, or choose not to join it, although there are
instances where a person may be expelled from their caste.
d. Hierarchical: Hierarchy means a system
in which members of an organization or
society are ranked according to relative
status or authority. In caste system, castes
form a hierarchy, being arranged in an order
of superiority and inferiority. At the top there
is the Brahmin caste and at the bottom there
is untouchable caste. In between are the inter-
mediate castes, their relative positions are
not clear.
e. Restrictions on food habits: The caste system imposes restrictions on
taking food and drink on its members. These restrictions differ from caste to
caste. Two things are decided by the caste system in this regard. Firstly, who
will take food from whom, and secondly, what sort of food he will take.
Usually a caste wouldn’t accept cooked food from any other caste that
stands lower than itself in the society. A person belonging to a higher caste
believes that he/she gets polluted by accepting food or drink from people of
lower caste.
f. Hereditary Occupation: The traditional caste system is characterized by
hereditary occupation. Members if a particular caste are expected to follow
the occupation meant for the caste. Traditionally a Brahmin was allowed to
function as a priest, teacher etc. and shoe-making, sweeping were assigned
to people of low caste.
g. Restriction on Social relations: The caste system imposes restrictions in the
field of social relations. While interacting with others each caste group and/or
individual has to follow certain rules and regulations. Different sets of principles
are prescribed for different caste groups. For example, the higher caste people
do not touch lower caste people.
h. Endogamy: The most fundamental characteristics of the caste system is
endogamy. All the thinkers are of the opinion that the endogamy is the chief
characteristic of caste, i.e. the members of a caste or sub-caste should marry
within their own caste or sub-caste. The violation of rule of endogamy would
mean ostracism and loss of caste.
i. Unequal Distribution of Civil and Religious Privileges: In the caste system the
higher caste people enjoy all the privileges such as wealth, power and prestige.
For example, Brahmins are considered as superior and they enjoy all types of
civil and religious privileges. They are given high status in the society. The higher
caste groups enjoy socio-economic, political, legal and religious privileges.