Caste System
The Caste System describes a social stratification in the Indian subcontinent. Although it is entwined in Hindu beliefs, it encompasses non-Hindus as well. A caste is basically a social class to which a person belongs at birth and which is ranked against other castes, typically on a continuum of perceived purity pollution. People usually marry within their own caste. In rural areas, castes also may govern where people live or what occupations they participate in. The features of the caste system vary considerably depending on the community. Small areas also have their own group-specific caste hierarchies. There are thousands of castes in India. All castes are grouped into four Varnas, or classes. In order of hierarchy, these varnas are Brahmans, Kshatriyas, the Vaisyas, and the Sudras. Brahmans are mostly a priest class, who are entitled to study the Vedas. They are in the middle of gods and men. They act as temple priests and invoke gods on behalf of others. They are expected to show great behavior and spend their lives in the pursuit of divine knowledge and preservation of their traditions. Kshatriyas are mainly your warrior class. They are commanded to protect the people and offer sacrifices to gods and ancestors. Vaisyas is mainly your merchant and peasant class. They tend cattle, offer sacrifices, study the Vedas, trade, and lend money. The Sudras are the labor class. Their only duty is to serve to the other three castes. They were not allowed to study the Vedas or even hear the sacred chants. They weren’t allowed to eat food in the company of higher castes or marry their women. Ranked below the lowest caste were people of no caste, the Untouchables. Untouchables traditionally performed tasks considered polluting, such as slaughtering animals or leatherworking. Physical contact with these people was viewed as defiling. The labeling of the Untouchables was outlawed by India’s constitution, although they still continue to face discrimination...