The History of The Indian Caste System and Its Consequences for Current India

Author – Palak Jain, Law student of Career Point University of Kota Rajasthan.

Best Citation – Palak Jain, The History of The Indian Caste System and Its Consequences for Current India, Law and Social Policy Review, 1 (1) of 2023, Pg. 46-49, ISBN – 978-81-960677-7-9.

Abstract

Indian society has historically divided its citizens along a number of lines, including language, tribe, region, class, and religion. One of these subcategories includes the Indian Caste System. Even while all human civilisations engage in some type of differentiation, it is problematic when one or more of these characteristics overlap and are used as the only basis for systematic ranking and uneven access to valuable resources like money, income, power, and status. A person’s social standing is determined by the caste they were born into since the Indian Caste System is so rigid. There are restrictions on how one should engage with and conduct themselves around those in lower social statuses. Depending on where they fall in the social structure, people are separated into four castes, or varnas. Their vocational classification determines their access to riches, power, and privilege. At the top are the Brahmans, who are mostly priests and academics. The Kshatriyas, or political and military leaders, make up the following group. The Vaishyas, or merchants, come in at number four, followed by the Shudras, who mostly comprise labourers, peasants, artisans, and servants. Those who are regarded as untouchables are the lowest tier of people. These people are perceived as outcasts because they work in unclean, polluting businesses like scavenging and skinning dead animals. They are not regarded as belonging to the upper classes. Even while caste was no longer a dominant factor in money and power, there was still some caste-based prejudice and hierarchy in place. While caste still affects daily life in urban areas differently depending on socioeconomic position and job, this influence is far less pronounced than it is in rural areas. Among urban middle-class professionals, particularly when it comes to marriage arrangements, caste is not explicitly acknowledged and is often unimportant. Even then, adjustments are done while taking things like religion, language, employment, and money into consideration. Despite being against the law in India, caste-based prejudice is nevertheless present in the community today.

Keywords: Caste System, Rural areas, Human societies, India today, Discrimination