Caste System and Its Evils
Caste System and Its Evils
Caste System and Its Evils
Varna System
Literally ‘Varna’ means color and originates from the world
‘Vri’ meaning the choice of one’s occupation. Hence Varna
is concerned with one’s colour or occupation.
Varna’s are only four in number i.e. Brahmin, Kshatriya,
Vaishya and Sudra.
It is an all-India phenomenon.
The hierarchical pattern of Varna shows the concept of
purity and pollution as the basis of division of society and
placements of groups into higher and lower.
As regards the mobility pattern Varna’s are relatively
flexible, compared with the castes. With the acquisition of
talents and virtues, an individual may improve upon his
previous status and vice-versa.
Varna may be described as an abstract classification of
people of a mythical origin. The religious explanation
of the Varna system is derived from the Purusha
shukta and the Rig-Vedic hymn which describes the
creation of priests (Brahmins) warriors (Kshatriyas)
traders (Vaisyas) and menials (Shudras) from the
mouth, arms, thighs and feet of the Creator
respectively.
Varna system is free from socio-economic and
political disabilities as well as restrictions.
Caste System
Caste or ‘Jati’ originates from the root word ‘Jana’ which implies
taking birth. Thus, caste is concerned with birth.
Castes are very large in number. Castes also have many
subdivisions known as sub-castes.
There are regional variations mostly based on linguistic
differences.
Caste-class correlation is not always positive; there may be
variations in the placement due to economic, political arid
educational status of various groups.
Caste system is based on rigid principles and mobility in the
ladder is checked. It is based on a closed type of stratification.
Caste, by contrast, is a concrete grouping based on ritualistic and
occupational criteria.
The caste system imposes many restrictions on the members.
Types of castes in Hinduism
Brahman, the priests
Kshatriya, warriors and nobility
Vaisya, farmers, traders and artisans
Shudra, tenant farmers, and servants.
Some people were born outside of the caste system.
They were called as Dalits or “untouchables”.
Brahman