The Caste System

A Caste System is a social structure which ranks people into various

groups based on heredity. In Indian terminology Caste System is known as
‘Varna Vyavastha’. It is a rigid system which arranges persons into Classes
or Social Strata. Caste system existed and still exists in many countries of
the world though it may not be as profound as it may be in other countries.
In India, the system is the most pronounced; having significance in certain
regions of the country as compared to others. But, before we understand
the Caste System, we need to know what a ‘Caste’ is. Caste is a
social status or position conferred by a system in a society based on one’s
position in that system, that position could be high or low depending upon
the importance attached with that position.

Origin of Caste System

Caste System History
Caste System Today
Advantages of Caste System
Disadvantages of Caste System

The word ‘Caste’ has been derived from the Spanish word ‘caste’ meaning
‘Breed’ or ‘Lineage’. The term also stands for ‘Race’ or ‘Kind’. Caste in
Sanskrit stands for ‘Varna’ which means ‘Colour’. Though the caste
system classification seems to be based on colour as per the etymology it
wasn’t so in reality as we will find in the below-mentioned passages. It is
estimated that there are more than 2,800 castes and sub-castes, each
having its respective characteristics. The caste system has scant regard
for religion, it existed and still exists in various religions, Hinduism,
Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity etc. The rigidity, usage and
prevalence of the system vary but the most renowned one is that, which
exists in Hinduism. However, the caste system is also the one which is
most misunderstood, taking into view the ‘Original Caste System' which
was based on one’s profession and not on one’s lineage. The modern
Caste system has done more damage than good and various measures to
eliminate it by various organisations and personalities have succeeded but
only to certain levels. It’s existence and practice has dimmed a great deal
but the spark doesn’t cease to exist.

Caste System Definition

A social structure in which classes are determined by heredity

(Wordnetweb).
Divisions in the society based on differences of wealth inherited rank,
privilege, profession, or occupation (civiced.org).
A form of social stratification in which one's status is determined by
birth and is lifelong (sociology, a down-to-earth approach).
Rigid hereditary separation of social groups (J.F.K’s civil rights
address).
Class distinctions based on birth, wealth, etc.
Closed, hereditary system of stratification, often dictated by religion;
hierarchical social status is ascribed at birth so that people are locked
into their parents' social position. Although originally caste depended
upon a person's work, it soon became hereditary. Each person was
born into an unalterable social status.

Origin of Caste System

The origin of caste system lacks any substantial historical backing. There
are certain Religious, Biological and Historical Theories. All these vary and
there is no universally accepted theory about the caste system.

According to the Rig Veda, the ancient Hindu book, the Purush (a single
cosmic Person) destroyed himself to create a human society. The different
Varnas (groups or castes) were created from different parts of his body.
The Brahmans were created from his head; the Kshatriyas from his hands;
the Vaishyas from his thighs and the Sudras from his feet.

Another theory states that Caste system originated from Brahma, the
Indian deity known as the ‘Creator of the World’. It is theorised that the
different castes were created out of different parts of the body of Brahma.
They are innately different; consequently, any mixture of blood, or cross-
marriage, or even any contract of the members of different races is the
greatest crime.

According to the Bhakti school, castes were originally created by Krishna.

Based on the three modes of natural material and the work associated
with them, the four divisions of human society are created.

Castes or sub-castes besides the four mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita

include such groups as the Bhumihar or landowners, Kayastha or scribes,
and the Rajput, who is a northern sector of the Kshatriya or warrior caste.

Caste System History

Systems similar to the caste system were prevalent in European and

American societies as well. But these were not based on caste, they were
based on class. Their Four pronged classifications had Intellectuals and
Priests who enjoyed the most prestige, Rulers and Warriors equivalent of
Kshatriya varna, Agriculturists and Traders (Vaishya varna) and servants,
workers who came in the most lower strata of society. The origins being
dubious, history provides us with ample information on the existence and
development of the caste system in ancient India. The caste stratification
of the Indian society was based on the 'Chaturvarna System' or simply
'Varna System' during the Vedic period (around 1500 and 800 bc.). During
the rule of Chandragupta Maurya (320 BCE – 298 BCE), Megasthenes,
the Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court in India came up
with his own classification. He divided people into 7 Classes:
Philosophers, Peasants, Herdsmen, Craftsmen and Traders, Soldiers,
Government Officials and Councillors. The Varna system was mainly
based on the division of labour and occupation.

The 4 Varnas or Chatur Varna as per Rig Veda are:

Brahmans: Brahamans or Brahmins were Priests. They conducted

religious rituals and services like - preparation for festivals, holidays,
marriages and funerals. They also preached spiritual teachings to the
 society and lived spiritual lives. They enjoyed the highest respect and
honour in the society as well as in the Varna system.
Kshatriyas: Kshatriyas were Warriors. Their duty and role in the
society were to protect the society against external attacks and
maintain internal order. After Brahmins, they enjoyed the highest
amount of respect and honour.
Vaishyas: Vaishyas were Businessmen and Traders. Farmers and
other commercial professionals came under this category.
Shudras: Shudras or Sudras were Labourers or Servants. They were
engaged in daily chores. Carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths,
cobblers, porters etc. were categorised under this group. They were
treated as ‘Untouchables’ as they dealt with works of labour which
were considered of low status in the society. They were ordered into
the lowest ranking and didn’t acquire respect and honour.

The primary or the original caste system in India was intended to maintain
harmony and co-operation amongst the people. Varnas were assigned to
people based on their aptitude and qualities. A varna was subject to
change, based on an individual’s temperament. The system was flexible
and encouraged a healthy social life in a society. There are various
evidence to support this facet of the caste system. Brhadaranyaka
Upanisad mentioned that ‘We were all Brahmins or all Sudras”. Rishi Ved
Vyasa who wrote many Hindu holy books belonged to low caste but his
Vedic wisdom made him a Brahmin.

However, this system was changed with the passage of time and the
varnas were designated as per one’s birth and not as per one’s aptitude
and qualities. This altered system ushered in an era of cruelty,
discrimination and other social evils.

Code of Conduct

Amongst these groups were certain rules and regulations which were
followed adherently. These rules dominated their lives especially
marriage, meals and religious worship. However, Brahmins and the
Vaishs were at more advantage as they had the least restrictions
implemented on them and could easily get away with breaking a rule
or two. Most of the laws of the society were restrictive on Shudras,
they happened to suffer more than anyone else.
During meals, anyone could accept food from the hands of a
Brahmin, but a Brahmin would be polluted if he or she took certain
types of food from a lower caste person.
Kshatrya and Vaisya castes had full rights to worship, but in some
places, Shudras were not allowed to worship or even enter the
temple.
If a shudra dared to draw water from a public well, he or she polluted
the water and nobody else could use it.
If the shadow of an untouchable touched a Brahmin, he/she would be
polluted, so untouchables had to lay face-down at a distance when a
Brahmin passed.
Inter-caste marriage was forbidden; most people even married within
their own sub-caste or jati.
Shudras lived at the outskirts of a city and couldn’t reside near the
other varnas.
These rules became more hard and hard with the passage of time.
The caste system evolved during c. 1150-1750. It was during this
period that India was ruled by Mughals. The Mughal rule weakened
the caste system. The reason being that expense of temples was not
supported by Mughals. But the Mughal rule also incited anti-muslim
sentiments in rural which further strengthened the caste system.
The rigid hierarchy of the Indian caste system faced resistance by
various humanitarians who worked hard to abolish the system.
Spiritualistic individuals like Gautam Buddha, Mahavir, Ramananda
Maharshi, Kabir, Eknath, Dnyneshwar, Ramanuja, Tukaram and Sathya
Sai Baba discouraged it sternly and even criticised in their literary
works. Support also came from various reformers like Raja Ram
Mohan Roy, Swami Dayanand, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa,
Vivekanand, Mannathu Padmanabhan, Narayan Guru and Mahatma
Gandhi. No doubt, they were successful to a large extent but the
roots of the caste system kept yielding stems and leaves of
 differences.

The arrival of the British Colonisers

Caste system portrayed its ugly face during the British rule. It became a
real menace for the Indian society when the colonisers used caste as a
weapon for social control. The English started acquiring control of India in
1757, they supported Brahmins by restoring a few privileges which they
had been denied during the Mughal rule. This was first but a small step to
encourage casteism. To take a full control over India, they needed to
understand the psyche of Indian society. To achieve this purpose they
attempted a census in 1872. Later on, another census in 1901 was a
strategic move to understand and utilise the caste system in their favour.
The data collected during the census included information regarding
nationality, race, tribe, religion and caste. Caste was used by them to
classify people and discourage unity which would threaten their
sovereignty. The ‘Divide and Rule’ policy was put into effect using the
division.

Independent India
Though the English invaders were evicted from the land they left India and
the society divided. India was partitioned into Pakistan and Bangladesh.
India became independent on August 15, 1947. But it did not become
independent from the caste system. India's government constituted laws
to protect and develop the life standard of Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

As a result, the society in India was categorized into Four broad

groups, viz.,

1. FC - Forward Communities.
2. BC - Backward Communities.
3. SC - Scheduled Castes.
4. ST - Scheduled Tribes.

Under the law, preferential quotas and reservations were established for
BC's, SC's, and ST's. This system reinforces the old caste system as it is
categorizing the Indian population. Though these laws have been made to
ensure access to education and to provide government posts for the
weaker sections of the society, its classification is based on caste.
Furthermore, there are various malpractices conducted to take advantage
of the quotas and other benefits provided to the affected categories. This,
itself is an example of the existence of caste system pattern visible
throughout India.

Caste System Today

It is utterly disappointing that Caste System exists even today, it’s

prevalence being more prominent in certain regions and communities. It
not only thrives, but it has also become more complex and more varied in
its form. This sensitive issue needs a little stirring before it erupts out like a
fizz from a soda bottle. For many of us, urbanites caste system appears
vague and non-existent. But one comes to know about its existence and
evil effects when there is an instance that one has witnessed while filling
certain forms while applying for a matrimony, when someone asks about
one's caste, saw it on T.V., read about it in a newspaper and so forth.
Politicians use it as an agenda to gain mileage during elections or
whenever it deems fit. In the modern society, we witness caste being used
in various social activities and in various ways, which only contributes to
violence, cruelty, indifference, unnecessary expenditure on government
and other related consequences.

Caste System in its various Forms can be Witnessed through the Facts
Mentioned below:

Inter Caste Marriage Honour Killings: A very and clear-cut

phenomena is that of Inter Caste Marriage Honour Killings. No doubt,
notions have changed over the past few years regarding Inter Caste
Marriage, but there are certain rigid societies for whom caste still
holds forte. For them, it is a matter of honour and dishonouring the
rules is unpardonable. This phenomenon is widely observed in
various regions of Haryana and Punjab. Here, the village caste
councils (Khap panchayats) have become an extralegal morals police
force, issuing edicts against couples who marry outside their caste or
 who marry within the same village - considered a religious violation
since villages are often regarded as extended families. There aren’t
any reliable statistics regarding the honour killing but one will find a
new item related to it every week. The problem doesn’t lie in the laws;
Intercaste marriages are protected under Indian law. The problem lies
in the social attitude; idealists believe their acts are right and justified.
They do not hesitate to indulge in such killings or feel any remorse
even if their own kith and kin are killed. Casteism is also encouraged
by politicians as the village councils are effective vote banks for them.
Matrimonial Alliances: Modern Caste System plays a major in
matrimonial alliances. Read any newspaper and you will find typical
advertisement which goes like this – ‘Suitable match for Saraswat
Brahmin Mangalik’ or 'Match for Ramdasia (Julaha)'; Julaha here
refers to a shudra caste. People still have a strong attachment with
following traditional practices when it comes to matrimonial alliances.
They want marriage within their own caste and hence you will find
even more elaborate descriptions of a groom or a bride, wherein
caste is mentioned first. In various parts of northIndiaa, there is a
strict code of matrimony alliances within their own caste. Any
marriage beyond this code of conduct stands nullified and if it meets
resistance, the consequences are deadly for those involved.
The existence of Caste System Transcends all Boundaries: If one
identifies caste system with Hinduism, he is very much correct but it
is also a bit of misconception. For Caste, there are no boundaries, be
it of religion, physical boundaries, cultures or any other factor
included. In India, casteism is prevalent almost in all religions barring
a few exceptions.

Prominent Indian Caste Systems

Christianity Caste System: It might sound odd for those who are
unaware, of the existence of caste system, amongst Indian Christians.
Jesus considered all individuals as equals. But in India, Hinduism had
a strong effect on Christianity, it’s caste system entered into their
society. This happened because Hindus who converted to
 Christianity retained their traditional caste practices. Dalit Christians,
Syrian Christians, Latin Rite Christians etc. are some of the Christian
castes.
Muslim Caste System: Muslims Caste system is referred to as ‘Kufu’
and caste is referred as ‘Zat’. Prophet Muhammad had declared that
“There is no difference between an Arab and a Non-Arab”. However, a
section of the Ulema created a divide through ‘Kufu’. Amongst
Muslims are - Ashrafs and Non-Ashrafs. Ashrafs are further divided
into - Sayyads, Sheikhs, Mughals and Pathans. Non-Ashrafs are
further divided into Kidwais, Kamin, Mirasis etc.
Sikh Caste System: Guru Gobind Singh created Khalsa and banned
the use of castes and surnames. He titled all Sikhs as either Singh
(Lion) or Kaur (Princess). However, after Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the
Britishers under the garb of census asked for the surname for official
records to be actually used for identification purposes. Thus, there
are Brahmins, Chammar, Khatri, Jatt, Ramgharia etc.

A similar trend is also observed in Indian Communities residing in Foreign

Countries like – Canada, U.S.A., Britain etc. The system there, at times, is
more rigid even by Indian standards.

Regionalism: Regionalism is an ideology which is based on a certain

section of people’s common language, geographical proximity, culture,
interests, religion and other factors. This ideology is like a larger kind of
casteism as it is more conspicuous. It is beyond any doubt that caste
system has taken a unique form juxtaposed with other elements. Just like
castes we have different states which are increasing in number and just
like states there are regional political parties who encourage such
endeavours even more but only for their own personal causes. Before
2000, there were only 25 states in India. As of 2011, there are 28 states
and 7 union territories. Such carving of regions has ushered in demand for
creation of more states like Gorkhaland, Harit Pradesh, Kosal etc.

Online and Paper Forms: The ‘Modern Avatar’ of caste system appears
whenever we have to fill up a form or two. Whether they are online forms
or are paper-based, they have sections which ask for your First, Second,
Last and or Surname. They appear as normal to us because we have
become accustomed to such but then they are indicating that the caste
system still exists. Irrespective of whether you write your surname or not,
these minor things appearing just as a norm or a routine affair are
indicators of your caste; they are subtly asking ‘What is your caste?’

Advantages of Caste System

Sounds strange, but just like everything else, there is another facet to a
story.

The instrument of Order: The original caste system was a measure

to counter any kind of Autocratic or Theocratic rule. By offering the
freedom of changing a varna there was no compulsion of forcing a
varna, it was a mutually understood order. As people understood their
position in a society and worked accordingly there was no chance of
unrest or injustice in any section of the society. If one was not
satisfied with his varna, he could attain it through his efforts without
resorting to any anti-social activity. The system ensured a proper
division of religious, political, financial and physical powers for 4
different social classes. Since this was a fair separation of political
and intellectual powers, these could not turn themselves into a
theocratic or autocratic society.
Proper Division of Labour: In our society we often find misfits, this is
because they don’t have their hearts on the job, they have been
forced to follow certain traditional occupations even if they don’t
want to. Most often, than not, a Brahmin’s son will follow the
traditional path whether he wants it or not whereas in the original
caste system provided the facility of change of one’s occupation. This
facilitated a better and proper division of labour and if a Brahmin
wanted to be a Kshatriya, he would prove to be a better warrior than a
Kshatriya who doesn’t believe in war; he is more suited to become a
Brahmin. This enabled that the right type of people acquiring, the
right type of profession.
 Preservation of Culture: Because the manipulated cast system was
rigid, it didn’t change with the passage of time. Since it retained its
original statute various supporters or researchers of caste system
present this factor as an advantageous one for the preservation of
culture. Various rites, rituals, folk dance, music etc. gives a certain
community its own unique culture and identity. A culture is important
because it may hold certain practices and techniques which are
useful for various industries and economies. It also provides insight
into the human psyche thereby giving the researchers a better
understanding of society.
The specialisation of Economic Activities: Both the original and the
deformed caste system lead to specialisation of economic activities.
Since there was a division of labour as per the original caste system
one was more focused on one’s job. The more focused they became
on their skills the more specialisation they acquired. And the
deformed varna system developed specialisation of an economic
activity because people could not change their profession so they
had to stick to their respective professions. As they had no option
they acquired specialisation, simply because of regular practice. It is
also considered that if one has been professing a trade or craft for a
long time he tends to be comfortable in their own fields rather than
taking on a new occupation.

Disadvantages of Caste System

The manipulated caste system has more cons than pros. If not obvious,
here are a few points to summarise the subject in discussion.

A Road Block for Progress: Varna system divides society and a

society which stands divided cannot contribute to the economy or if
they do, it won’t be as much efficient as it should be. Conflicts
between castes only cause unnecessary expenditure on the part of
the government. The money spent on controlling riots, agitations etc.
also cause wastage of time spent on the issues. If these issued didn’t
exist, there would be more thought and money put into making a
society far better than with the existence of the varna system.
Tourism also gets affected and foreign revenue generated out of it
only hurts the treasury. Regionalism sponsored by caste sentiments
also put an extra burden on the government. The government has to
deal with further divisions through force or otherwise.
Hampers Peaceful Coexistence: Since there is no unifying social
force amongst the population there will be chaos and conflict in the
society. Hatred in its inactive and active form prevails. Such
conditions are ideal for political aspirations and personal vendetta. A
society marred by such events stands disintegrated and prone to
aggressive emotions. Aggression promotes further aggression and a
chain reaction of such acts is imperative. Peace ceases to exist in
such conditions.
Susceptibility to Foreign Intrusions and Terrorism: If a country
stands divided on the basis of caste then there is sure shot Assurity
of Terrorism and foreign intrusions. The caste system is and will be
utilised time and again to make a country vulnerable to foreign
intrusions and acts of terrors. A divided society is not fit enough to
defend itself and is prone to selfishness.
Encourages Similar Acts in other Parts: Casteism is a good source
of inspiration for anti-social agents who have their own motives.
Such, will not hesitate to experiment the same in other areas to fulfil
their motives. People belonging to other regions may get inspired by
varna system and may ignite the fire of difference amongst the lot.
An Agent of Corruption: In a country where corruption rules, there is
a large scope for new instruments of Corruption. Where corruption
has become a norm, the caste system is an effective tool to further
the evil cause. Various parties use the criteria of caste to generate
vote banks. They will favour certain communities more than the
others and proliferate the system a bit more. If not political parties,
the heads of certain castes in order to protect their caste system may
strike a deal by offering bribes to police officials to bury a case
regarding honour killings or any related matter.
Formation of Weak Repute: A nations repute stands at stake when a
trivial issue in the eyes of the world becomes an eyesore. It highlights
a country as being a backward one and criticism from various human
right agencies further tarnishes the image of the country. Such a
repute has far-reaching effects on a country’s social fabric, economy
and representation in the world.
A possibility of Caste System being Accepted: Caste system,
being a deep-rooted and an adaptable mechanism has been in
existence for centuries. Sometimes there is a possibility of Caste
System being accepted as a norm. When a behaviour pattern keeps
repeating over and again, the mindset of people towards it become
acceptable. The government too, being unable to erode it might not
make many efforts as required owing to the persistent nature of the
system and owing to their involvement in other top agendas.
Infringes Individual Freedom: The rigidity of the caste system
infringes individual freedom as it would not allow a person to act as
per his wishes. To simply put forth, it wouldn’t allow a person to marry
outside his caste. Emotions like love and or friendship outside the
caste structure prevent healthy social interaction.
Develops Low Self Esteem: The inequality amongst the rich and the
poor has been always visible. The gap between the High Castes and
Low Castes is also visible, especially in rural areas. In an environment
where both castes mix up, i.e. in an academic environment or a social
one, one's caste becomes a bone of contention. The low caste
people suffer the brunt of high caste though jeering, hate comments,
physical abuse etc. Such a behaviour develops a low self-esteem on
the inflicted and it is only when a certain sort of incidence happens
that its consequence is realised.
A catalyst for Racism: Racism, a worldwide phenomenon, though in
decline ever existent, none the less. Racism can be called as the ‘Big
Brother of Casteism’. This is so because caste and race have similar
attributes; there is high race=high caste and low race=low caste.
Since caste system follows the footpath of racism, it itself is a
harbinger of this hollow classification where the colour of a race
becomes a source of discrimination.
 Misuse of Low Caste and High Caste Status: Many times the
status attached to a high caste or low caste is craft-fully put into
practice to achieve a purpose. To get admission in certain institutes
people create or bribe officials to fake documents presenting
themselves as belonging to a low caste. Similar practices are
observed in other areas as well. People in order to attain wealth from
a wealthy groom fake their identities as that of high caste ones’. There
are also well to do SC’s and BC’s who take undue advantage of their
categorisation of belonging to a low caste, even though they have
enough resources they resort to taking benefits provided to them on
account of government policy.
Fake Pride: A son of a genius may not necessarily turn out to be
genius. Similarly, a person of high caste doesn’t necessarily mean
one with high stature in the world. In the world, a person’s capabilities
and intellect count. Belonging to a high caste is only a fake pride with
which one may throw his weight around in his local community but at
the workplace or another environment, it all comes down to your
potential. This fake pride can be a source of embarrassment and
shame if one isn’t capable as he makes it out through his high cast.
Moreover, in today’s employment scenario, a Brahmin who is not
supposed to touch meat is a chef in a restaurant; he is not only
touching but also consuming meat. Similarly, a shudra is an IPS
officer even though his caste translates him into an untouchable.

The above mentioned are few of the effects of a diseased society afflicted
with the caste system. There are many effects which are less prominent
and less visible to the common people. The above subject matter has
proved the Irrelevance of Caste System. Yet, it continues to plague our
society. The solution lies in the mindset of people which is susceptible to
division and rigid as is the case amongst rural communities. As long as
there are corruption, politicians and other supporting factors, the system
cannot be eliminated, it will thrive in one way or the another, adapted as
per one’s need. There is no honour in killing a girl or boy or both or those
involved, in the name of ‘Honour Killing’. An honour of this nature is
useless, it is not tangible (you are not going to get an honorary medal),
neither is it noble nor it is a compliment. It defies the humane rule of ‘Live
and Let Live’. A caste is by no means a source of identification,
identifications can be masked with fake ones’ as is the case with fake
passports and fake ID’s. To have surname beyond that which has been
assigned as per one's religion is a slap on those who propounded it. How
suitable is it? to defy your own god who amongst all religions has
commonly propounded the assignment of equality amongst all. If one
goes by security risks, the technology is already issuing isometrical and
technological advanced ID’s. The sense of pride of having a high caste is
hypocritical, the world does not acknowledge the highness of a caste or a
surname, it acknowledges true wisdom, the act of hardships, skills,
achievements and other pursuits. The world already stands divided, how
many more divisions do we need? Caste is a hollow structure borne by
those who still have to understand what life is all about?