We
live in times when equality and tolerance are very important. We try to
endure all divisions, but are we sure that we can fight this
everywhere? All we have to do is to get on the plane and after 7 hours we can find ourselves in country which have a completely different reality…
On
the one hand, we associate India with the colorful Holi, Bollywood,
elephants or Taj Mahal, and on the other hand, it is a place where the
caste division of the society has been functioning so far. Probably each
of you has met with the concept of "caste", which is the most
controversial aspect of this culture and theology, I'd like to introduce
you to this culture in more detail.“Caste
is a form of social stratification characterized by endogamy,
hereditary transmission of a style of life which often includes an
occupation, ritual status in a hierarchy, and customary social
interaction and exclusion based on cultural notions of purity and pollution.”Hinduism divides Indian society into four castes:1. Brahmins
- the highest caste to which priests and holy husbands belong,
privileged with the opportunity to explore the wisdom of the holy Books
and to perform religious rites. It is believed that the representatives
of this caste were born to protect and serve the holy tradition. This
caste has been assigned with white color, which results in the fact that
people with light skin are usually treated automatically better than
others. 2. Kshatriyas-
warriors, rulers, monarchs. They are meant to protect people, but also
to serve the Brahmins. Like priests, they should avoid bodily pleasures
and, like them, they can study the books. The colour corresponding to this caste is yellow. 3. Vaishyas
- caste of farmers, breeders, merchants and craftsmen. They should be
engaged in trade, cattle breeding and tillage, in other words,
activities whose effects will ensure the survival of members of higher
castes. They can only read the sacred books. The colour corresponding to this caste is brown. 4. Shudras -
the lowest caste in Hindu culture, which means the servant population.
Their purpose is to serve representatives of higher classes. They are
not allowed to study the saint books or even listen when they are read.
They are not allowed to eat in the presence of representatives of higher
castes. The colour of this caste is black. The last element of the Indian social pyramid are people outside the caste, known as Dalits
who are considered impure, called untouchable. It is believed that
their impurities are transferred to other people by touch. If they draw
water from a public well, it becomes contaminated, and even the shadows
cast by their bodies are unclean. When Brahmins pass near them, they
must fall to the ground face down. They do jobs that nobody else wants
to do, such as killing rats or cleansing animal skins. They must not
enter temples and must not be cremated after death.
We
may be asking ourselves why such a system can continue to function. The
answer to this question is reincarnation, which causes people to accept
their destined life in the hope that if they live according to the
instructions, they will be at the higher levels of this pyramid in the
next life.Despite
the fact that we may associate this description with the Middle Ages,
this division of Indian society into fixed social groups, that
originated from the ancient history of India, persist to this day. Even
though this division was removed by law in 1947 and many politicians
tried to fight it, (for example Mahatma Gandhi fought hard to stop
discrimination against the untouchable, whom he himself called the
children of God), I am afraid that in the mindset of the people it will
last for a long time.Questions:1. Have you ever been to India, do you like this country? 2. What do you think of the caste division? 3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
On
the one hand, we associate India with the colorful Holi, Bollywood,
elephants or Taj Mahal, and on the other hand, it is a place where the
caste division of the society has been functioning so far. Probably each
of you has met with the concept of "caste", which is the most
controversial aspect of this culture and theology, I'd like to introduce
you to this culture in more detail.“Caste
is a form of social stratification characterized by endogamy,
hereditary transmission of a style of life which often includes an
occupation, ritual status in a hierarchy, and customary social
interaction and exclusion based on cultural notions of purity and pollution.”Hinduism divides Indian society into four castes:1. Brahmins
- the highest caste to which priests and holy husbands belong,
privileged with the opportunity to explore the wisdom of the holy Books
and to perform religious rites. It is believed that the representatives
of this caste were born to protect and serve the holy tradition. This
caste has been assigned with white color, which results in the fact that
people with light skin are usually treated automatically better than
others. 2. Kshatriyas-
warriors, rulers, monarchs. They are meant to protect people, but also
to serve the Brahmins. Like priests, they should avoid bodily pleasures
and, like them, they can study the books. The colour corresponding to this caste is yellow. 3. Vaishyas
- caste of farmers, breeders, merchants and craftsmen. They should be
engaged in trade, cattle breeding and tillage, in other words,
activities whose effects will ensure the survival of members of higher
castes. They can only read the sacred books. The colour corresponding to this caste is brown. 4. Shudras -
the lowest caste in Hindu culture, which means the servant population.
Their purpose is to serve representatives of higher classes. They are
not allowed to study the saint books or even listen when they are read.
They are not allowed to eat in the presence of representatives of higher
castes. The colour of this caste is black. The last element of the Indian social pyramid are people outside the caste, known as Dalits
who are considered impure, called untouchable. It is believed that
their impurities are transferred to other people by touch. If they draw
water from a public well, it becomes contaminated, and even the shadows
cast by their bodies are unclean. When Brahmins pass near them, they
must fall to the ground face down. They do jobs that nobody else wants
to do, such as killing rats or cleansing animal skins. They must not
enter temples and must not be cremated after death.We
may be asking ourselves why such a system can continue to function. The
answer to this question is reincarnation, which causes people to accept
their destined life in the hope that if they live according to the
instructions, they will be at the higher levels of this pyramid in the
next life.Despite
the fact that we may associate this description with the Middle Ages,
this division of Indian society into fixed social groups, that
originated from the ancient history of India, persist to this day. Even
though this division was removed by law in 1947 and many politicians
tried to fight it, (for example Mahatma Gandhi fought hard to stop
discrimination against the untouchable, whom he himself called the
children of God), I am afraid that in the mindset of the people it will
last for a long time.Questions:1. Have you ever been to India, do you like this country? 2. What do you think of the caste division? 3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
Sources:
Author: Angelica Dutt
Comments
2. In my opinion such divide is an indecent thing. It’s so unfair to treat some of the society good, like a royalty and the rest like a doormat. I definitively draw a line at heaping scorn on somebody, such behaviour is just nasty. Community should unite and not divide.
3. I think that if we all unite and start to fight the good fight, for India and publicize cast division issue in the internet, TV, radio, newspapers, just everywhere it’s possible. It could help to combat division in India.
I have never been to India, but I would certainly like to visit it in the future, due to its very extraordinary culture. It is hard to tell if I like the country, if I have never been there nor really know someone from India.
2. What do you think of the caste division?
As a libertarian I object to any kind of division. I believe in both economic as well as world outlook freedom. I think those values are the most precious for every modern and healthy society.
3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
Unfortunately we can not do much about it. I do not believe any speeches and empty slogans could do help The only way is just to wait untill their culture will getting more up to date with todays world.
You are right, the caste division has big influence on the deep economic difference between people, the middle class in India is quite small.
Unfortunately, I also think it will be difficult to get rid of this kind of thinking.
I completely agree with you, no one should be treated worse for the very reason in which family he was born.
Surely publicizing the matter would help, maybe not immediately, but with time certainly.
I do not support divisions and discrimination either, but unfortunately, as you write, only time can fight it.
This year I was on vacation in Asia, but I've never been to India before. I would like to visit her in the future. It is difficult to say if I would like this country. I suppose it is a good place for vacation, but not for permanent housing.
2. What do you think of the caste division?
I don't think divisions are ever a good solution. It seems to me that ideological and economic freedom is very possible. I would stick to it and I support it.
3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
Due to the strong cultural ties, it is not easy to change. I am also a very strong policy that is not willing to change. It seems to me that at the moment it is impossible.
2. Of course I'm against them. For me, a person raised in a country without them, it's hard to believe that such social systems can exist. Of course in our society, there are also some differences - they're based mostly on economical situation or being from the rural/urban background. But I can't imagine such differences like e.g. some have to kneel in front of others.
3. I'm not sure if it can be fight easily. As you wrote in your post, it's strongly supported by their beliefs. If there are many people who don't see a need of change, it may be really hard to conduct it.
I haven't been to Inda.
2.What do you think of the caste division?
They are really important part of social life in India.
3.Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
I have no idea, there is so many people out there.
I have never been to India but I intend to go one day. I want to wait for the right time and probably go there alone. I'm thinking about the right moment by contacting and inviting with a person from a higher caste.
2. What do you think of the caste division?
It is a translation of spiritual theory into the real world. According to spiritualism, our souls are incarnated in the body many times, there is also a division of souls, however, belonging to souls "castes" depends on the level of development of the spirit which can increase and, as a result, can change over time to a better "caste"
3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
It's incredibly rooted in their culture. I don't think any translations will change anything. However, their awareness and the possibility of change can be developed by "showing" representatives of higher realities from other modern and highly developed countries.
2. In my opinion the caste division in India is unacceptable in the 21st century. The concept of dividing people on better and worse shouldn't be present anymore.
3. I believe that the only way to fight this is a revolution.
2. I think it is natural in places where human work is very cheap.
3. The question is whether to fight it? Everyone's rights must be guaranteed, but I don't think this should change further. Since it is a part of the local culture.
s20108
Unfortunately, I've never been to India, and someday I would love to go there. Nowadays, however, we have many opportunities to learn about other cultures, e.g. reading about them on the Internet or watching travel movies. This culture is so different from ours that I would like to experience it myself.
2. What do you think of the caste division?
These types of divisions are unnecessary these days and create artificially privileged groups. I've never heard of the caste division in India before. If people really attach importance to this all the time, this is a big problem.
3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
As I mentioned, this is a very difficult problem to solve. These types of things are deeply rooted in culture and thus in the minds of all the inhabitants of a given country. It remains to be hoped that the younger generations will attach less and less importance to this, and eventually this division will completely disappear, but it will be a very lengthy process.
2. It's relic of the past and surly can't be a good thing. It defines people just because they were born in this family and not the other.
3. I don't know if it can be easily changed. It is extremely hard to change life of 1.2B people
I haven’t been there yet. I like the diversification of India culture, cuisine, and views. The other thing is the huge density of population, as it might be quite difficult to travel in cities because of notorious traffic jams and air pollution.
2.
It is a serious problem in India and I also heard that they can’t eradicate this ridiculous idea in spite of government attempts.
I think that reincarnation can’t be excused for the caste system - let’s take Tibet as an example. Tibetan people (unfortunately, after the II World War when communists took over the government in China, they conquer this place and incorporate into their landings :() lived a simple life, believed in reincarnation and there wasn’t place for any discrimination related to occupation.
3.
In my opinion, only the government can deal with this issue (or rather reduce it). They should ensure easy and free access to education for everybody (no matter what is the ‘caste’ of you and your family) and try to incrementally change the old beliefs.
2. What do I think about cast system? It’s ridiculous. The idea that you can not change caste during your lifetime is just depressing(if you are in a lower cast) and it stops you from taking an opportunity of improvement of your life.
So caste system is just a thing they invented and believe in for no reason. It just dumb if you ask me. But at least cast system is not official anymore, haha.
3. You can not just change what over a million of India citizens believe in. So in short time - no idea.
2.I completely disagree with this, I think that in the 21st century such divisions are unacceptable.
3.I think it is very difficult at the moment and I have no idea how to solve the problem.
I think you have to be born there to understand these caste divisions.
I also think so, despite the fact that I am half Indian and I know about the existence of these divisions since always, it is because I grew up in Poland that I am unable to understand it.
That's right, thanks to this spiritual part, this system can still be maintained. However, it comes down to the absurdity that a member of a better caste, driving a car, hits a beggar and then a beggar apologizes to him that he "went under" the wheels.
If you've never heard of it, I recommend you read about it. The Indian government provides conveniences for the lower castes, so that, for example, the easier it is for them to get into college, which often ends with better castes paying for themselves and impersonating as the weaker ones.
2. Well... As a person from a democratically positioned country, it is difficult for me to accept it in the 21st century. But there is an explanation for everything in this world. India has taken place as a country with a divided society into caste, whether we want it or not. And then everything depends on the people who live in India.
3. I see a solution only in time. It will take many generations for the whole country to move in a new direction in a peaceful way. But it will be a completely different India...
Tibetans are a unique nation and can only be admired for the way of life and peace that surrounds them.
2. In my opinion, this is a very sensitive and big topic to discuss.
Generally speaking, people will follow in their parents’ footsteps with regards to their career, or follow a similar life path. The way people’s parents raise them has a fundamental influence on their values, priorities, and ways of thinking, and this is reflected in the fact that social classes have existed in practically every human society to date.
3.I am not a deciding person to tell what to do and what not to do. It is not an individual responsibility. As a society people must decide all.
The caste system is not required to be removed completely because it is impossible to do it, I think. Even if there is chance to remove it, the society finds another division based on some other parameter. Division of society is inevitable just the ways may change. Division is not required to be removed, it is the Discrimination that has to be removed.
2. I can't even express how I despise this system. Dooming people from the moment they are born is just wrong.
3. I think this country is too big and too religious to change, but we have to show our disrespect to this kind of social division. Social media and pop culture would be my go-to. Maybe the next generations will agree with the rest of the world and the casts will disappear with time.
2. The whole idea of divisions is horrible. It’s hard to believe that it still exists. It may be the reason of many problems. However, it is a part of their culture and believes, so I don’t think it will change soon.
3. I don’t think it’s possible. It has been a part of their culture for a very long time and it can’t be changed instantly. The only idea which came to my mind is to try make it by small steps, systematically changing some of the most inhuman parts of it. People living there should understand that they need to change their approach to another people independently which division they represent.
1. I have never been there. But I have already bought plane tickets to India, so I will visit this country soon. I am very excited because I am very interested in culture of Asia.
2. I dont support this caste division. In my opinion the "place" of out birth should describe us. That`s what we do, should make decisions of our life. I think it is a little bit narrow-minded.
3. I think it is impossible to fight it in short time. New generation of people who are online, can change it. Some social activity and opposites can make a change. Moreover I think the old generation has to die, because it is impossible to change their minds.
2. This is a very backward doctrine and nowadays it shouldn't exist. The existence of "unclean" people and the impossibility of changing caste is unacceptable.
3. I think that education, penalization of such a division and political changes can help. It takes time because cultural changes are progressing, but very slowly.
I have never been to India that is why it is difficult to tell if I like it or not. I am sure that India has brilliant sides and I would find the one I like if I visited it.
2. What do you think of the caste division?
This is the relic of the past. In the modern world, human life is in the first place no matter the age, nationality, religion and so on. The longer India will keep the caste divisions the faster disproportion among reach and poor will rise. And history proofs that the end is sad.
3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
No, only Indian can tell how to fight it. The question is to Indian, do they want to fight it?
I have never been in India and do I like it? Hmm it’s hard to say because I never been there but if I must decide from thing that I know about them yes and no. Yes, because they have some nice view, they have interesting history and they have interesting food well some of them. No because they are overpopulated, they cities are dirty and smelly, and you can easy to get food poisoning.
2. What do you think of the caste division?
It’s a sick idea but every nation has similar division of class theirs is simply more radical.
3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
My only idea is time. They already fighting with this, but this is not easy as this is tradition that was used for many generations and there are still many rich radical traditionalists who don’t want changes.
I have never been there but I would love to visit India some day. Culture of Indian people is so different from ours that it is impossible to imagine how it looks without being there. From their clothes to their food it is incomperable to Europe. People are not aware of how huge India actually is and how many people there are. Those numbers are overwhelming.
2. What do you think of the caste division?
I think that this is a relict of an old system and it should be abandoned many years ago. No one should be limited by its heritage. When you are born you should be born equal and nobody has the right to tell you where your place is. You shape your life and if you have what it takes to be someone your caste is not allowed to be then I don't get it why you should not be able to at least try. You are born as tabula rasa and you should do whatever you want and be with whoever you want.
3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
It is rooted so deeply in culture that it is hard for me to imagine a way to fight it. Only new generations can change their world but the saddest part of it is that those who can do the most are those who are born at the top oc the caste system. Why would those decide to change it and share their benefits? It is sad, but that's the way it works.
What do you think of the caste division?
Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
I have never been to India. Unfortunately my foreign trips stopped after Lithuania, Germany and Spain. However, I had a feeling, a need lately to visit and travel to interesting places. India was never in my plan, but after reading your article it's a definitely a place to consider.
Caste division seems like a system where people stored their believes long time ago and even when the time changed, world moved on, it's still the same. It's crazy that in modern world something like this even exist and work. People should learn about this in history books and not to feel on their own skin. In order to raise life's quality, India must change.
Firstly there should be a movement in order to raise awareness between people. I can bet that some people still think it's the only way of living. They may feel something is not ok, but they are not ready to start the change. This thing also need a leader. Someone who can guide them to fight for what they should have by now. It definitely need also time, but the sooner they start, the better for them
2. I do not fully agree, I think that such departments are unacceptable at this time.
3. I think this is very difficult right now and I have no idea how to solve the problem.
I really like traveling. India has always inspired me. I watched a lot of movies and travel programs about India. I'm really fascinated by this country full of contrasts. On the one hand, exotic beautiful India on the other, especially poorer regions, have a very big problem with environmental pollution. As the results of research conducted by the World Health Organization show, the dirtiest place in the world is Delhi, the former capital of India.
2. What do you think of the caste division?
It is difficult for me to comment on this. I am an opponent. But this culture is very rooted and difficult to change. I think it would be difficult for them to be in this community.
3. Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
I think it is difficult or even impossible. This is due to the strongly rooted religion that has been there for generations. Maybe if we introduced another religion to this country, after some time people would change their minds.
I agree with you, the only hope remains in the new generation, which is more conscious thanks to the access to the Internet.
Unfortunately no, never been to India but would very much like to. Very interesting country for its traditions, culture, architecture, nature.
2.What do you think of the caste division?
Certainly rigid division into castes from ours, European, point of view is wrong, but we should not forget that a few centuries ago across Europe there was a vassal system and we were not in a hurry to refuse from it. And now add to the fact that in India this system exists as religion, that promises reincarnation in the higher caste, I do not think that Hindus thinks this is a big problem. And with the advent of the technological era, I do not think at all that castes are of great concern to anyone today. But of course, if such system limits the freedom of action of a person to a great extent, something must be done about it. Especially all that is terrible, in this case, for the lowest caste, since they are not even able to prove that they are better than others.
3.Do you have any idea how you can fight it?
A great event must provoke the fall of such a huge system, and in my opinion it will not do without revolution as it did in Europe during the fall of the vassal. But to succeed in destroying this system peacefully, many efforts must be made to reform the country and there must be support of the higher castes as they are the most influential figures in the country.
2. It amazes me that it is still going on in their minds but this is the world we live in, full of such more or less sensible agreements on which live order is built. To be honest its not so unusual those casts, but in India its taken to the extreme.
3. I think the cast rules would loosen up with time. Maybe if some so called "untouched" got together and with help from abroad achieved something recognisably exceptional it would speed up the process . Unfortunately the system is strong in many of their minds also i guess.
I completely agree with you, what we are should be defined by what people we are and what we do in our lives, and defined in the beginning at birth.
Unfortunately, it is the case that the most influential people benefit most from this division. Fortunately, after talking to my cousins, it is clear that thinking is changing slowly.