iNDIA'S CASTE SYSTEM
India's caste system was set by about 1000 bc. and still regulates lives of
millions. Some time around 1500 to 2000 bc. great influx of Aryans began to enter India
from Hindu Kush region, from northwest of India. Aryans fought with and eventually
assimilated with non-Aryans, who were living in India prior to their arrival. The
Aryans achieved supremacy over non -Aryans and divided the society into four parts:
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and non-Aryans (including 'untouchables' who were
responsible for cleaning and disposing of human waste), with social ranking in the same
order.
At first, movement from one group to another was flexible for the first three
groups but not for non-Aryans. Slowly the whole system became inflexible and determined
on the basis of birth. This rigid caste system gradually mushroomed into several subcastes.
These subcastes dictated distinct occupations, forms of worship, as well as customs of
social intercourse and marriage, for hundreds of years.
Following independence of India from the British rule in 1947. Indian constitution
was framed and implemented on 26th January, 1950. This constitution aims at abolishing
the caste system altogether, but in practice, it is still prevalent in different regions of India.
India's caste system is one of the obstacles to India's political, social and economic
development. It will take long time and sustained effort to get rid of these shackles of caste
system.
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