Caste System, it's Features, Merits and Demerits

Caste

It is a collection of families bearing a common name which usually denotes or is associated with specific occupation, claiming decent from a mythical ancestor, human or divine. It is derived from the Portuguese word “Casta” which means lineage or race. It is an endogamous group. It is based on Varna system i.e. Brahmin, Kshatriays, Vaishya and Sudra.

Features of Caste System:

a.      Ascribed Status

Birth is the determinant factor of the caste system. Once born in a caste has to remain in the same. Status, position, prestige is fixed according to his/her caste.

b.     Endogamy and Exogamy

There is restriction on marriage in caste system. Endogamy and Exogamy are the essence of the system which means:

Endogamy-Marriage in their own caste or sub-caste.

Exogamy-Same caste but not the same Gotra

c.      Social Hierarchy

Brahmin has high status and position than Sudra.

d.     Occupational Restriction

One’s occupation is fixed by his/her caste. A blacksmith son will always be a blacksmith.

e.      Economic Disparity

The higher caste people are generally economic better off and the lower caste people work harder and yet they get little benefit i.e. they are poorer.

f.       Restriction on food 

 In the caste system there is restriction in the food too. The members of the higher caste can't take food from the lower caste. Kalahari- fruits can be eaten by the higher caste from anyone & nothing will happen. Pakka Khana – from the Kshtriya & Vaishya. Tried in ghee etc. Kachna Bhajan – rice or Kheer – This can be taken only from his own caste. All these are the 3 types of food & this is in ref. to the Brahmin, the highest class. There is no restriction in water too. Only the kahar can give them water & they can drink from no other caste generally the maids are Ramani Kahar, & because of this they feel somewhat proud cause they are not so backward so that their touched food may not be eaten.

Theories regarding the Origin of Caste System:

1.     Traditional Theory – Vedas, mainly Rig Veda, Maha Bharat, Geeta, Upanishad, Manu Smuriti. It says caste syst. Originated from the of body Bramha i.e. from the month came Brahmin, Keshahiya, arms, Vaishyas – thighs & Shudras from feet. And the place was given to the hierarchy of organs in the body. Varma, status & position is fixed according to this. Therefore 1st come Brahmins then Kshatriyas then Vaishayas & last Sudras. The month for preaching, learn, ceremonial performation, the arms – protections, thighs – to cultivate or business feet – helps the whole body therefore the duty of the Sundras is to serve all the others.

2.     Occupational Theory:

The hierarchy is according to occupation. The higher the occupation the higher the position & status in societies. If the according is considered good in a place that caste is high but it may necessarily be higher in another place. In general C.S. originated from the Varmas & then in marriage but these varmas of Anolog & Pralilog & sub-caste were formed.

Merits or Positive Impacts of the Caste System:

a.      Determination of Status

Caste system determines the stats of an individual in the society. One’s prestige, status, role, etc. is fixed according to his/her birth. For eg: A Brahmins son will inherit the status, position of his father and status.

b.     Fixes the Occupation

Hereditary occupation is an important characteristic of the caste system. One acquires the occupation of his/her ancestors.

c.      Division of Labor

Each caste has fixed roles and function in society based on the Karma theory. Everyone thinks and beliefs that God has fixed his occupation which is the fruit of his/her Karma in earlier birth and he lives to do his/her occupation well so that he/she may have a good occupation in his/her next birth.

d.     Social Security

Social security as well psychic security `we feeling' is strong in all castes & sub-castes. Whenever one of the caste member is ill or orphaned or has some other problem they whole caste members are compelled to help them. Castizm /Caste patriotism induces them to help their own castes.

Demerits:

 (i) Undemocratic

People’s sales, status, etc. ae fixed in caste system but not in democracy. It denies equal rights to all irrespective of their caste, creed or color. Lower class people suffers social barriers for the physical and mental development.

(ii) Social Disparity

 It brings a social disparity in society. It lookouts social life or economic life. Due to fixed occupation person with I.Q in other occupation can't go into it & this hinders optimum productivity.

 (iii) Barrier to National Unity

In Caste System, there is no equality. It gives support to casterism which is limited to their own caste. For example –votes are given to the person of one's own caste. Every man wants the people of his caste to go ahead & this creates problems

(iv) Untouchability

So called lower castes are considered as  untouchable & unseable & they are exploited by the higher caste. There are certain privileges & disabilities in caste system. The Brahmin's get more privilege.

Recent Changes in Caste System:

a.      There is no restriction on occupation.

b.     There is no restriction on food.

c.      Inter-caste marriage is taking place.

d.     Untouchability has been abolished.

Factors for the Change:

a.      Industrialization and Urbanization

b.     Influence of Education

c.      Social Reforms

d.     Religious Movement

e.      Legislative measures, government policies and effort

Some parts are adopted from:

https://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/Sociology/notes/caste-system.html

https://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/Sociology/notes/functions-and-merits-of-caste-system.html