Caste System

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The Caste System

Social System

Four castes to which every Hindu can belong to:

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras

"Harijans" exist outside of the caste system

All people are born into a caste, which they will belong to for all their lives

Each caste has a different role to fulfil

Similarly every caste has specific duties

Very difficult to leave your caste (traditionally)

May be opportunities to go against the typical expectations your caste

But you will always be considered to be in that caste

Traditionally it would be hard to get a job outside of the role of your caste

Traditionally you couldn't have friends outside of your caste

Or marry/date anyone not in your caste

Bhagavad Gita teaches that: "it is better to do your own duty badly than to do another man's well"

Highlights how it is important to remain within your own caste and do your dharma according to the varna you are born into

If you don't have good enough karma , you will have a chance to relive in order to build good karma

Indian Constitution has outlawed caste-based discrimination

Caste barriers have largely broken down in large cities and across the world

Two complementary social hierarchies: varna (based upon ideas of spiritual purity) and jati (based on job/dharma)

Varna system is traditionally understood to work by giving each atman opportunity to pay off negative karma through suffering and hard work in lower varnas

By accumulating positive karma, Hindus can move upwards through successive rebirths to being a Brahmin

By making a strenuous effort to wipe out all karmic debt by right living and the performance of correct rituals, an individual may eventually achieve moksha

And escape the inherent suffering of samsara

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Castes

1. Sudras

Artisans/agriculturists etc.

Perform services

Specific services are their birthright

Role is respected

Because they look after the cows

First caste since harijans are considered to be outside of the caste system

Varnadharma is to do physical and manual work

To manufacture goods and to serve other varnas

2. Vaishyas

Second caste

Merchants/shopkeepers and sell products

Unlike the Sudras who sell services

Varnadharma is to accumulate wealth

To care for those less fortunate than themselves by giving alms

Generate income to support structure of society

3. Kshatriyas

Second to last caste before reaching Moksha

Important to community because he's the main source of food

Without the Kshatriyas, the community would have no means to food

Rulers, warriors and landowners

Kshatriya dharma - defend dharma system by fighting righteous wars against those who seek to overthrow dharma

Should also rule justly, enforcing dharmic behaviour and protecting society from injustice and tyranny

4. Brahmins

Priestly caste

Last caste before reaching moksha

Role in life is to teach others

Would normally become a priest to fulfil this role

Final caste before reaching Moksha

Varnadharma - perform rituals (drawing on knowledge of Sanskrit)

Teach correct way of living and ensure that system of dharma continues

Harijans (Dalits)

Harijans = "children of Vishnu"

Perform the jobs that no-one else will perform

Fall outside of the caste system

Considered to be the outcasts

Don't belong to any varna

May not be allowed in the temple

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Strengths of the Caste System

Core concept of Hindu scripture

Highlight the importance of scripture

Encourages active worship

Will want to get good karma to improve their caste in a next life

Encourages people to do their own dharma

If they complete their dharma they can be born into a "greater" caste

Enhance their faith of Hinduism

Gives everyone a purpose for their lives

Also gives a meaning for Hindus' lives

Stable society

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Weaknesses of the Caste System

Creates division between communities

Can lead to conflict

Removes opportunities to reach true potential

Can create moral issues - sense of exclusivity which is against teachings of inclusivity

Encourages discrimination between the castes

Restricts people's lives

Traditionally it's difficult to do many things

Restricted opportunities

Could lessen faith in Hinduism

Can seem impossible for harijans/dalits to build good karma

They may be refused entry into the temple

Implies that one cannot convert to Hinduism

Because you must be born into a caste and if you convert you will not belong to any caste