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.
