Caste System in India



Abstract

The caste system is the complex division of a society usually based on religion. It is sub division of any society in cultural, linguistics, and sometimes on the economical norms. This division combines the society in hierarchy or sometimes discriminates. The caste system explains the interaction norms and the structure of the Indian society. It also describes the interactive pattern of the society. This paper is based on the caste system followed in India from an anthropological point of view. It is base on two interviews followed by an Indian wedding.

Table of contents

Abstractii

Research statement4

Introduction4

Discussion4

Classification of the caste system in India5

Aspect of caste system in Indian Constitution5

Indian wedding6

Interview no 16

Interview no 27

Conclusion8

References9

Appendices10

End notes11

Caste system of India

Research statement

The caste of India is dependent upon the social values, interactive patterns and is a system of social stratification creating hierarchy and differentials on the society.

Introduction

Caste systems explain the cultural diversity of the same society. “Two or more different cultural traditions characterize the population of a given society” (Smith 1965, p. 14).

The caste system of India is dependent upon the social groups sharing similar and common social values. This is a system of social stratification. It is termed as the system in which the people are structured in a hierarchy. This hierarchal order depends up on the social, cultural and economic status of the people. According to Dumézil theory, the ancient theory was based upon three divisions; the priest, the warriors and the ones responsible for the production.

Discussion

India is a country of diverse religion and culture. It has different ethnic groups and diverse religious groups. The caste system of India is based on the religious groups, as the prime religion of the county is Hinduism. The social group in the higher caste of the system tends to control the rest of the structure of the society and protect5s the social barriers from being crossed.

Classification of the caste system in India

The caste system of India consist of the following main five group described from the higher to the lower castes.

Vedas (The Enlightened)

Brahmins

Kshatriyas

Vaishyas

Shudras

Below them, lies the “Untouchables” that is the lowest caste of the religion. They are discriminated strongly from the rest of the society. They don't eat, talk and develop any relations with people from the lower castes. Therefore the cultural, anthropological and customs differ on the basis of the caste system.

Aspect of caste system in Indian Constitution

it is stated in the Article 15 in the Constitution of India, that was enacted by the government of India. It forbids any type f discrimination that is based on the caste system. Whereas the Article 17 that any practice regarding the phenomenon of untouchability is illegal.

Concerning from an anthropological perspective, the system can further divide into linguistics, culture, archeology and biological evolution of the society. Here the system is mainly dependant up on the cultural and archeological system. If a person born he is placed into a certain cast that is known as the 'jatis' in the local ...