Since time immemorial the caste system has been a burning issue in India. It is very difficult to decide where to begin and where to end, but it would be best to look solely at the very origin and its relevance in the present times.
Going back to its roots, the caste system can be described in a very straightforward manner as the key to harmony in society. Just as a body needs its main elements to function at its best, similarly the society has its head, its arms, its legs and its feet, as it was described in the Vedas. The castes were born of the Supreme’s body, and a combination and balance of these four functioning parts can lead to an organized and prosperous society.
‘brAhmanosya mukhamAsIt . bAhU rAjanyah krtah.
UrU tadasya yad-vaishyah. padbhyAm shUdro ajAyata.’
The brahmin, the scholar of the society, had his specific duties of passing on knowledge. His task included disseminating knowledge in all fields - sciences, arts, philosophy, and above all the ‘bBrahma vidya’ - the knowledge of the Creator and His Creation – to those deserving ones. He represented ‘buddhi’, the intellect, therefore placed as the ‘head’ of the society.
The strength of the people came from the king and his able warriors – the kshatriyas. The men of arms were the ‘arm’ of the society. They were bred to fight and protect their people.
The traders brought wealth and supplies to the entire society. Without them, nothing could survive or function as they were the providers. And last but not be considered the least, were that class of people whom no one could have done without – men of manual labor. Referred to as the lowest rank, it should not be mistaken that they deserved the least respect. Can the body be complete and go anywhere if it were not for the feet to lead and take steps?
In the early centuries, it was clearly stated that one could choose which group one would want to belong to, purely according to one’s ‘swabhava’, that innermost nature that guides one’s feelings, thoughts and action. If a cobbler’s son wanted to be a scholar, there was nothing to stop him from doing so as long as he proved himself to be worthy of it. Of course there was also a natural inclination to take up the family occupation, which was more often seen - the warrior’s son became a soldier, the scholar’s son became a teacher, the sweeper’s son helped his father with his duty, and the trader’s son took up his father’s business.
Whether led by one’s own free choice or by one’s family values and needs, the concept of caste, rests on characteristics, skills and interests of a human being. Moreover it was (at least initially) based on one’s occupation.
What is the relevance of the caste system in India as of today?
Some of the positive answers would be – to preserve traditions, to pass on a legacy that has been there for generations. But can anyone justify the ‘high’ and ‘low’ aspect of caste today? One might simply fall short of arguments to prove that part.
An overview of any modern Indian’s life will reveal the irrelevance of the caste system. We go to school, we study, and we specialize in subjects of our choice. Apart from depending on some experts in the field, we manage our finances. Leaving out those who depend entirely on maids and servants, there are many more that do their work by themselves – cleaning, washing, or any kind of maintenance for that matter. No doubt that we have one of the best defenses in the world, but who protects the common man on a daily basis? Don’t we think or take actions for our own safety at the initial stages? A businessman is well read, a soldier is well educated, and a professor can easily polish his shoes before going to work!
We strive to gain knowledge like the brahmin, be strong and courageous like the kshatriya, earn and save like the vaishya and do every task, big or small, perfectly like the shudra. For an integral growth, and a more effective and self-dependent life, the truth is that we all have to be a blend of all four castes. It is definitely a better idea to get the essence of the caste system into us than to blindly support the so called glories and advantages, and look down upon disadvantages created by bias and hollow doctrines. It is time to rise beyond the caste system, retaining and practicing the good that it offers and yet move on to understand and respect every caste, every profession, every human being.
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in November, 2009. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.
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—About our writer:
Arjita,
A Bengali by birth, born and brought up in Pondicherry. Graduated from Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, an institution that offers holistic
education. Spent some years in Bangalore, teaching in schools. Completed Masters in Sanskrit, main interest being philosophy. Works with an NGO that promotes literacy and reading."
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