Chapter 7: The Caste System
This system of dividing a society into different segments has been considered as the most negative aspect of Hinduism. When it comes to magnitude, the Hindu caste system has done greater damages to a greater number of people compared to the system of slavery implemented in Western countries or even the witch-hunting practices of ancient Europe. This system was invented by Vedic societies and supported by law makers. The people who belonged to the upper segments found it beneficial to keep and grow their religious, social, political, and financial status. Except Saivism and some ascetic groups, all Hindu sects were based on the caste system.
Because the religion encourages the attainment of psychological and physical …show more content…
Vaishyas – This class is composed of peasants, landlords and businessmen. They were expected to conduct business, make sacrifices, raise livestock, study the scriptures, and lend money. They were allowed to execute and join in some rituals but they can’t marry those who were in the higher segments.
4. Shudras – The class is composed of laborers. Their only responsibility was to serve those who belonged to the upper segments. They were not allowed to join Hindu rituals. They cannot learn the scriptures or even listen to prayers. Since they belonged to the lowest class, they didn’t have the right to eat with people from higher castes.
4.1 Chandalas – These people are known as the lowest among the lowest. The Chandalas are also called “impure ones”. Other Hindus stay away from them because of their inappropriate sacrifices, bloody rituals, unclean practices, and magical ceremonies. Thousands of years ago, they were not permitted to stay in places where people from other castes were located. They were treated so low that even their mere presence was considered as a sign of evil. They were forced to live outside the cities and create their own religion. They earned money by working in graveyards and cleaning human wastes.
How the System was …show more content…
Development of labor and social organizations – The system helped in the development of caste-based organizations. These guilds allowed citizens to unite under a common goal and gave some form of guarantee against abuse of labor and unjust competition. In addition, they helped their members to get excellent occupations and fair salaries. Overall productivity was greatly enhanced because these groups promoted performance standards and work ethics. Both in rural and urban areas, these caste-based groups united people from the same segments and encouraged fraternity, cooperation and solidarity between their members. Thus, the caste system strengthened social and professional
This system of dividing a society into different segments has been considered as the most negative aspect of Hinduism. When it comes to magnitude, the Hindu caste system has done greater damages to a greater number of people compared to the system of slavery implemented in Western countries or even the witch-hunting practices of ancient Europe. This system was invented by Vedic societies and supported by law makers. The people who belonged to the upper segments found it beneficial to keep and grow their religious, social, political, and financial status. Except Saivism and some ascetic groups, all Hindu sects were based on the caste system.
Because the religion encourages the attainment of psychological and physical …show more content…
Vaishyas – This class is composed of peasants, landlords and businessmen. They were expected to conduct business, make sacrifices, raise livestock, study the scriptures, and lend money. They were allowed to execute and join in some rituals but they can’t marry those who were in the higher segments.
4. Shudras – The class is composed of laborers. Their only responsibility was to serve those who belonged to the upper segments. They were not allowed to join Hindu rituals. They cannot learn the scriptures or even listen to prayers. Since they belonged to the lowest class, they didn’t have the right to eat with people from higher castes.
4.1 Chandalas – These people are known as the lowest among the lowest. The Chandalas are also called “impure ones”. Other Hindus stay away from them because of their inappropriate sacrifices, bloody rituals, unclean practices, and magical ceremonies. Thousands of years ago, they were not permitted to stay in places where people from other castes were located. They were treated so low that even their mere presence was considered as a sign of evil. They were forced to live outside the cities and create their own religion. They earned money by working in graveyards and cleaning human wastes.
How the System was …show more content…
Development of labor and social organizations – The system helped in the development of caste-based organizations. These guilds allowed citizens to unite under a common goal and gave some form of guarantee against abuse of labor and unjust competition. In addition, they helped their members to get excellent occupations and fair salaries. Overall productivity was greatly enhanced because these groups promoted performance standards and work ethics. Both in rural and urban areas, these caste-based groups united people from the same segments and encouraged fraternity, cooperation and solidarity between their members. Thus, the caste system strengthened social and professional