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The caste system Caste Caste The caste system in India is an important part of ancient Hindu tradition which dates back to 1200 BC. Portuguese travelers who came to India in the 16 th century first used the word caste. It means race, breed, or lineage. There are 3, 000 castes and 25, 000 sub castes in India, each related to a specific occupation. The purpose of the caste system is to divide Hindus of India into different social classes. There are five main classes, or Varna's.
Brahmans, the highest ranked group, are important people, such as preachers or priests. The Kyshatriyas, who are people such as soldiers or warriors, come next. The agriculturists or salesmen are classified as Vaisyas. The Sudras are the laborers and servants.
Harijans (as named by Ghandi) or the untouchables, were members of the lowest social class and performed the unappealing tasks. Their jobs consisted of tanning, caring for the dead, cleaning the toilets, and carrying away human waste. They were considered dirty because of their jobs. High-class members presumed low class members to be so filthy that they had to stay out of their sight and do their work when it was not light outside. Untouchables were looked so far down upon that they had separate entrances to homes and had to drink from separate wells. Caste not only dictated one s occupation, but dietary habits and interaction with members of other castes as well.
Members of a high caste enjoyed more wealth and opportunities while members of a low class performed menial jobs. Each division of citizens has strict rules of behavior from which all members must abide. Marriage only to other caste members, occupation restrictions, and limitations on personal contact with members of other castes are just a few of the many rules. Eventually the caste system was made part of Hindu religious law. It began to brake down, however, during the period of British Rule in India.
It has weakened through the years as members of different classes have begun to work together. In 1950 the Harijans, the untouchable social class, was outlawed and members were given full citizenship, although they are still discriminated against. Today, many people want to do away with the caste system and this is beginning to come true in India. It seems that no rigid system will be better for most people, but especially to those who have been labeled untouchable in the past. Hopefully, without a caste system, everyone will have a fair chance to become what he or she wants to be, without the caste title to hold him or her back.
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Research essay sample on Caste System Social Class
