Societal Analysis and Development Alternatives - Final Presentation
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The document discusses the origins and evolution of the caste system in India. It traces the caste system back to the Aryan invasion of India in 1500 BC, where the Aryans divided society into a hierarchical system. Over time, thousands of castes and sub-castes developed. The caste system was characterized by social and religious hierarchy, endogamy, hereditary occupations, and untouchability. While caste-based discrimination has reduced, caste still influences politics and social issues like reservation and identity politics in India. The document examines possible ways to further eradicate casteism, such as promoting exogamy, removing caste names, and scrapping surnames.
Societal Analysis and Development Alternatives - Final Presentation
- 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