2. Casteism
1. Etymologically Portuguese origin as Casta meaning Clan
2. Casteism is the adherence to Caste System, so all irrespective of their
hierarchy who practice it are Casteist.
3. Vocational Communities formed together.
2000 years ago, Endogamy emerged along Roti-Beti Parampara. The word
Khaandaan is also emanating from it.
1000 years ago, the hierarchy based on purity creates the present day caste
system.
4. Jati is more appropriate term for describing Caste than any other.
5. Varna is Vedic term to describe the division of humanity according to thier
qualities. Except for Brahmin Jatis, it is difficult to map any other Jati into the
Varna System.
3. Philosophy of Caste
1. Plato in “The Republic” writes about 3 classes of a just society - Guardians,
Auxiliaries and Producers, based on the qualities they possessed.
Finding parlance, there is Chaturvarna, which has Brahmin to wield
Cosmological Understanding, Kshatriya to protect the land, Vaishya to carry
out the trade and wealth-creation, Shudras are the commoners who carry out
Agriculture and other necessary jobs like weaving, oil-making, etc.
2. Varnas are the divisions of the Cosmic Being called Purusha, and they are
there to carry out their Varnashrama Dharma or duties in order to maintain
Rta (Cosmic physical Order of Universe).
4. Problems arising out of Casteism
1. Untouchability
2. Unreasoned Discrimination based on caste
3. Threat to Equality in Society
4. Justice is endangered
5. Theories
1. The theory of Karma - Justifies the hereditary continuation of caste identity.
2. John Rawl’s Theory of Justice - Original Position and Difference Principle.
3. Kantian Deontology - Jati dharma and Varna Dharma ordained to perform
duty without question and for the sake of it for the betterment of Vedic
Universe, but deviation arises when it doesn’t allow to use Reason.
4. Gandhi’s Talisman
