Development analysis of Caste system

1. Development analysis
of ‘Caste system’
its evolution and its possible eradication.

2. Origin and Definition
 The Aryans invaded India in 1500 BC
 They were nomadic warriors who established
control and began to restructure our social
classifications
 Their self-perception of Aryans being the superior
most race sowed seeds of the primitive caste
system
 Under their influence, people were divided into
five different classes

3. Origin and Definition
“ The term ‘Caste’ has no Indian origin. It is
derived from the Spanish word ‘casta’ which means
breed, race or strain.
However, it is interesting and ironic to note that
India is the only country today where caste system
is practiced at a widespread scale. ”

4. The Varna System - Manusmriti
 Manusmriti is often blamed for the
division of varnas.
 The intellectuals who guided the
society were called Brahmins,
 the Kshatriyas rendered protection to
all concerned,
 the Vaisyas were to shoulder
economic responsibility and
 Shudras were meant to exist without
defined livelihood and were expected
to serve the other three varnas for
smooth functioning of the society.
Dwija
or
Twice-
born

5. Thousands of Castes and Sub-castes
 Though the early Vedic sources name four
primary castes, in fact there were thousands
of castes, sub-castes and communities within
Indian society.
 Castes or sub-castes include such groups as
the Bhumihar or landowners, Kayastha or
scribes, and the Rajputs.
 Caste among Non-Hindus - After the
introduction of Islam on the subcontinent, for
example, Muslims were divided into classes
such as the Sayed, Mughal, Pathan, and
Qureshi
 Many Christian Indians still observe caste
distinctions, however

6. Features and Evolution of the Caste
System
Then
 Segmented Division of Society
 Social and religious hierarchy
 Endogamy
 Restricted Choice of Occupation
 Geographic segregation
 Practice of untouchability and
other social restrictions.
Now
 Food habits have been relaxed.
 Caste is not very much associated
with the hereditary occupation
 Exogamy
 Caste Panchayats have become
very weak.
 Establishing in the society without
seeking the caste background.

7. Analysis
from a Development Perspective

8. Caste and Marriage
 Endogamy is the act or practice of marrying within
the same caste
 Exogamy is the act or practice of marrying beyond the
caste of the self and choosing partners from other
castes
 Hypergamy is the act or practice of marrying someone
who is of higher caste or social status than oneself
 Hypogamy is the act or practice of marrying someone
who is of lower caste or social status than oneself

9. The Jajmani System
Jajmani system or
Yardman system was an
Indian social caste system
and its interaction
between upper castes and
lower castes. It was an
economic system where
lower caste perform
various functions for upper
castes and received
consideration in return.

10. Characteristics of the Jajmani System
 Nature of permanence – Relationships under this
arrangement were permanent
 Jajmani was hereditary.
 Castes received grains against services rendered
 Barter system is followed
 Interactions between the oonchi zat(upper caste) and
neechi zat (lower caste) are regulated by established
patron-client relationships of the jajmani system
 The upper caste being referred to as ‘Jajmans’ and the
lower caste as ‘Kamin’

11. Sanskritization
 This is a particular form of social change
found in India. It denotes the process by
which castes placed lower in the caste
hierarchy seek upward mobility by
emulating the rituals and practices of the
upper or dominant castes.
 Imitations such as Teetotalism,
vegetarianism, temple building and its
worship, fasting, reading religious books,
wearing sacred thread etc. by Dalits are
examples.

12. Downsides of the caste system
 It denies mobility of labour.
 Untouchability.
 Obstacle to National Unity.
 Obstacle to social progress.
 Promotes clashes between communities.

13. Current Societal Issues
Reservation, Identity Politics and Possible Eradication.

14. Current Caste Landscape in the Indian
Population (SECC 2011)
22.2
9
42.8
26
Percentage of Hindu
Population
SCs STs OBCs Forward Caste/Others
0.8 0.5
39.2
59.5
Percentage of Muslim
Population
SCs STs OBCs Forward Caste/Others

15. Caste-Based Reservation
 Reservation introduced for equal progress of all the sections in society
 The concept of social justice and parity was one of the key pillars of
caste-based reservation.
 Was first introduced in 19th century by British colonists in the
erstwhile Madras state
 Mandal Commission Report of 1991 favoured reservations in higher
education and government services for other backward classes in India
 As of now total reservation quota in many states stands at about 45%
 Since economic status is not taken into consideration, undeserving
people gain the advantages

16. Identity Politics
A marginalized or oppressed social group stressing the
greatness/uniqueness of its own, original cultural identity
for fighting for equal rights with other dominant social
groups.
Tribalization of Gurjars
Dalit Politics in Uttar Pradesh
Use of caste idioms to mobilize Andhra
farmers in 1950 elections

17. Possible Eradication
with reference to Periyar’s Propositions
 Scrapping of Hereditary Education policy was a landmark in initiating
eradication of caste system
 Exogamy is another powerful tool to propagate assimilation of caste fabrics
and thus diminishing lines between communities
 Removal of caste names in Public communication materials
 Scrapping of surnames in order to eliminate or diminish a sense of common
prejudice.

18. Rashmi Ranjan Singh
Pallab Kumar Shit
Narendra Singh
Sampad Acharya