Hindu Caste System

number four caste level

Shudra: workers and laborers

number three caste level

Vaishya: merchants, artisans, farmers

Caste

an organized society split into separate groups of classes based upon the Hindu belief of reincarnation. Hindus believe that you are born into an unchanging caste of status for the rest of his or her life.

Caste System

based on what a person has done in a past life, each Hindu branch has its own levels of castes, or hereditary class of society, and thousands of sublevels have been established over time. these systems have evolved differently in different parts of Asia.

Education and Industrialization

often diminished in the caste system's influence, in other areas, Hindu fundamentalists have pushed for a stronger Hindu-based social structure and opposed any reforms.

where caste systems are strongest

socioeconomic status tends to be more important in rural areas, where the tradition of the caste system is more formally adhered to. If you live in a community of millions of people, caste affiliations tend not to be important, but in a smaller, more rural community, these relationships and the status they hold can be important, especially where traditional villages are. examples are religious leaders, politicians, farmers, leather workers, or other activities.

Indian Government Affirmative Action Plan

the government has implemented representation in public offices and certain employment privileges. This policy has received harsh opposition by upper-caste groups.

Abuses of Dalits

traditionally worked in jobs relating to "polluting activities" including anything unclean or dead. restricted from entering Hindu places of worship or drinking water from the same sources as members of higher castes or classes. shoes had to be removed and they often worked at night and slept during the day.

Illegal Caste Formation

under current Indian Law, it is illegal to practice a Dalit caste, however opportunities that are available to the upper castes remain out of reach to many of the lower caste.

number two caste level

Kshatriya: warrior, ruler, landowner

Origins of Hindu caste system

1500 BC powerful nomadic Aryan warriors appeared in North India. the Aryans conquered most of India at the time, including the Dravidian groups of central and southern India. This is when society was organized into separate groups of castes.

number one caste level

Brahmin: priests, teachers, and judges

number five caste level

Daits (untouchables or Harijan): outcasts or tribal groups

converting religion to escape a caste

Dalits were allowed to convert to Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam to leave their Hindu caste.