How Does the Indian caste system work?
The caste system in India creates a unique structure in society. Derived from the Hindu religion, this system contains thousands of small castes, but the Indian caste system is usually considered to be divided into 5 castes:
- Brahmins
- Kshatriyas
- Vaisyas
- Sudras
- Pariah 'Harijans' (Untouchables)
Castes are considered to be what 'social classes' are in the western world, only to an extreme extent. When you are born into a caste, your job, where you live and who you can marry are already decided for you. Anyone who does anything that is considered to be 'outside their caste' (such as marrying someone from a different caste) is heavily frowned upon by society. In the past they could have been punished by a court of law but this was outlawed.
- Brahmins
- Kshatriyas
- Vaisyas
- Sudras
- Pariah 'Harijans' (Untouchables)
Castes are considered to be what 'social classes' are in the western world, only to an extreme extent. When you are born into a caste, your job, where you live and who you can marry are already decided for you. Anyone who does anything that is considered to be 'outside their caste' (such as marrying someone from a different caste) is heavily frowned upon by society. In the past they could have been punished by a court of law but this was outlawed.