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?