Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class Sociology Important Questions Chapter 4 Caste Inequalities Important Questions and Answers.
PSEB 12th Class Sociology Important Questions Chapter 4 Caste Inequalities
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. When was Untouchability Offence Act passed?
(a) 1956
(b) 1954
(c) 1955
(d) 1957
Answer:
(c) 1955
2. Which institution completely disintegrated the Indian society?
(a) Caste system
(b) Class system
(c) Joint family
(d) Dowry system
Answer:
(a) Caste system
3. Which of these is the base of caste?
(a) Money
(b) Birth
(c) Property
(d) Religion
Answer:
(6b) Birth
4. Who was the first one to use the word ‘Harijan’?
(a) Dr. Ambedkar
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) The Indian Constitution
(d) G.S.Ghurye
Answer:
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
5. Who gave the six features of caste system?
(a) Ghurye
(b) Srinivas
(c) Dubey
(d) Karve
Answer:
(a) Ghurye
6. Who gave the traditional theory of caste origin?
(a) Majumdar
(b) Karve
(c) Srinivas
(d) Dubey
Answer:
(a) Majumdar
7. The mate selection within the group is called …………….
(a) Exogamy
(b) Endogamy
(c) Group Marriage
(d) Monogamy
Answer:
(b) Endogamy
Fill in the Blanks:
1. Ghurye gave ………………. features of caste system.
Answer:
six
2. ……………… system took the form of caste system.
Answer:
varna
3. Traditional theory is given in ……………….
Answer:
Rigveda
4. In the process of ………………… lower caste people adopt the ideas, habits, ways of living etc. of upper caste people.
Answer:
Sanskritization
5. With the process of …………………. untouchability has almsot eliminated from society.
Answer:
Secularization
6. The problem of untouchability is due to ……………….. system.
Answer:
caste
True/False:
1. Caste system is based on wealth.
Answer:
False
2. Untouchability Offence Act was passed in 1960.
Answer:
False
3. Traditional theory of caste origin is given in Rigveda.
Answer:
True
4. Caste system originated from the varna system.
Answer:
True
5. First three castes were known as ‘dwija’.
Answer:
True
One Word/One Line Questions Answers:
Question 1.
Which system has divided our society 7
Answer:
Caste system has divided our society.
Question 2.
From which language’s word, the word caste came?
Answer:
Word ‘caste’ was originated from a Portuguese word ‘CASTA’.
Question 3.
Which type of class is caste?
Answer:
Caste is a closed class.
Question 4.
Who were given the highest place in Caste system?
Answer:
Brahmins were given the highest place in caste system.
Question 5.
Which caste was greatly exploited in Caste system?
Answer:
Fourth caste was greatly exploited in caste system.
Question 6.
What is meant by Endogamy?
Answer:
When marriage is done within one’s own caste then it is known as endogamy. Question 7. Which type of occupation of an individual is there in caste system? An. In caste system, occupation of an individual is based on birth. It means one is required to adopt the occupation of his family.
Question 8.
On what, mutual relations in caste system are based?
Answer:
In caste system, mutual relations are based on superiority and inferiority.
Question 9.
What is meant by closed caste system?
Answer:
The class which cannot be changed is known as closed caste system.
Question 10.
What is used to make Kachcha food and Pakka food?
Answer:
Water is used to make Kachcha food and oil is used to make Pakka food.
Question 11.
On what division of labour in Indian society was based?
Answer:
Division of labour in Indian society was based on caste system.
Question 12.
Who gave the Racial theory of origin of caste system?
Answer:
G.S. Ghurye gave the racial theory of caste system.
Question 13.
Which theory was given by Ghurye about origin of caste system?
Answer:
Racial theory was given by Ghurye.
Question 14.
Who gave the Religious theory of origin of Caste system?
Answer:
Hockart and Senart gave the religious theory of origin of caste system.
Question 15.
Who gave the occupational theory about origin of Caste system?
Answer:
Nesfield gave this theory.
Question 16.
Who wrote the book ‘Caste in India’?
Answer:
The book ‘Caste in India’ was written by J.H. Hutton.
Question 17.
Who wrote the book Races and Culture?
Answer:
The book Races and Culture was written by Majumdar.
Question 18.
How many features of caste system are given by G.S. Ghurye?
Answer:
G.S. Ghurye has given six features of Caste system.
Question 19.
When was Untouchability Offence Act passed?
Answer:
Untouchability Offence Act was passed in 1955.
Question 20.
When was Civil Rights Protection Act passed?
Answer:
Civil Rights Protection Act was passed in 1976.
Question 21.
When was Hindu Marriage Act passed?
Answer:
Hindu Marriage Act was passed in 1955.
Question 22.
Which thing was restricted in Untouchability Offence Act?
Answer:
It was restricted that no one will be called as untouchable.
Question 23.
How many castes approximately are available in India?
Answer:
Approximately 3,000 castes are available in India.
Question 24.
Which type of marriage is allowed in Caste system?
Answer:
Endogamy is allowed in caste system.
Question 25.
In how many parts, ancient Indian society was divided?
Answer:
Ancient Indian society was divided into four parts.
Question 26.
What was the merit of caste system?
Or
Write about one positive function of caste system.
Answer:
It has protected Hindu society, has given stability to society and has given definite occupation to the people.
Question 27.
Which type of change is coming in caste-system?
Or
Mention one change in caste system.
Answer:
Prestige of Brahmins is declining, untouchability remains no more and traditional occupations are coming to an end.
Question 28.
Give main features of caste system.
Or
Mention any two features of caste.
Answer:
Membership of caste remains for life, segmental division of society is there and one has to adopt his traditional occupation.
Question 29.
What is the demerit of caste system?
Answer:
Lower castes are exploited, untouchability increased and personality of an individual is unable to develop.
Question 30.
Who gave the Multifactor theory of origin of caste system?
Answer:
It was given by Hutton.
Question 31.
Who has accepted caste as a political unit?
Answer:
Saxena has accepted caste as a political unit.
Question 32.
What is the base of membership of caste?
Answer:
Base of membership of caste is birth.
Question 33.
What is the permanent form of stratification?
Answer:
Caste is the permanent form of stratification.
Question 34.
Which institution has greatly disintegrated the Indian society?
Answer:
Caste system has greatly disintegrated the Indian society.
Question 35.
Which scholar has divided functions of caste system into three parts?
Answer:
J.H. Hutton has divided functions of caste system into three parts.
Question 36.
In which Veda’s purushsukta, the description of origin of caste system is given?
Answer:
In Rigveda’s purushsukta, the description of origin of caste system is given.
Question 37.
From which word, the word caste is originated?
Answer:
The word caste is originated from the Portuguese word ‘CASTA’.
Question 38.
Which are the main bases of caste?
Answer:
Caste is a very large group whose bases are caste based differences and birth based differences.
Question 39.
Why are restrictions kept in caste system?
Answer:
So that the different castes could not come in each other’s contact and caste superiority and inferiority could remain as it is.
Question 40.
How is caste a closed group?
Or
Is caste a closed group?
Answer:
Caste is a closed group because one cannot change it even if one has the ability to do so.
Question 41.
How is occupation fixed in Caste System?
Or
Definite occupation in caste.
Or
Hereditary occupations.
Or
Traditional occupation.
Answer:
Occupation in caste is traditional. It means one has to adopt the occupation of his family.
Question 42.
Which two laws have helped in the weakening of caste system?
Answer:
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
- Untouchability Offence Act, 1955.
Question 43.
What is social disability of lower castes?
Answer:
Social disability of lower castes is that they cannot keep relations with upper castes and cannot take water from their wells.
Question 44.
What is religious disability of lower castes?
Answer:
Lower castes cannot take religious education, cannot read religious books and cannot go into temples.
Question 45.
How has industrialization affected the Caste system?
Or
Effect of industrialisation on Caste System.
Answer:
In industries, people of different castes started to work together with which caste based restrictions came to an end.
Question 46.
Caste develops the feeling of Co-operation.
Answer:
It is right because members of one caste work with each other due to same occupation co-operate with each other.
Question 47.
Untouchability.
Or
What is Untouchability?
Answer:
The process in which people of few castes were not allowed to touch the upper caste people was known as untouchability.
Question 48.
Inter-caste Marriage.
Answer:
When people of two different castes marry with each other then it is known as inter-caste marriage.
Question 49.
Is Caste system changing?
Answer:
Yes, caste system is changing due to a number of factors like education, industrialisation, urbanisation, laws etc.
Question 50.
Maintenace of Purity of Blood.
Answer:
When one marries within his own caste then it maintains the purity of blood. Blood of other castes never mixes with one’s caste.
Question 51.
Endogamy.
Answer:
When an individual does marriage within his own caste or group then it is known as Endogamy.
Question 52.
Is class intermarriageable?
Answer:
Yes, class is intermarriagable. It means endogamous as well as exogamous.
Question 53.
Hierarchy in Caste.
Answer:
There were four castes—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Lower castes. This was the hierarchy in caste.
Question 54.
What are the bases of class?
Answer:
Money, wealth, prestige, education, occupation etc. are the bases of class.
Question 55.
What is the fundamental basis of caste system?
Answer:
Fundamental basis of caste system was the superiority of few castes and inferiority of few castes.
Question 56.
Restrictions on feeding and social relations in Caste.
Answer:
Different castes in Caste system were not allowed to keep feeding and social relations with each other.
Question 57.
Restrictions regarding marriage in a caste.
Answer:
There was restriction regarding marriage in a caste. It means members of different castes were not allowed to marry with each other.
Question 58.
Maintenance of Purity of Blood.
Answer: Members of different castes cannot marry with each other. So their blood never mixes with other caste and it maintains purity of blood.
Question 59.
Caste membership based on birth. .
Answer: A person remains member of that caste in which he is born and he cannot change his caste even if he has the ability to do so.
Question 60.
Caste provides social security.
Answer:
If any problem comes to an individual, then members of his caste always help him. In this way, caste provides social security.
Question 61.
State any two abuses of caste system.
Answer:
- In caste system, one particular caste was exploited.
- In caste system, hatredness prevailed among different castes.
Question 62.
What is the basis of class?
Answer:
In modern times, wealth occupation, business etc. are the bases of class.
Very Short Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Hierarchy of Castes.
Answer:
Society was divided into four castes and due to this division, there was a definite system of high or low social status in society. This system of division of society into four castes is known as hierarchy of castes.
Question 2.
How is the social status of an individual determined?
Answer:
In caste system, the social status of an individual was determined by the caste in which he was born. But in class system, the social status of an individual is based on his individual ability.
Question 3.
Caste develops the sense of Co-operation.
Answer:
It is a fact that caste develops the sense of co-operation among its members. As members of one particular caste have same occupation, that’s why they work in co-operation with each other.
Question 4.
What is Kachcha food?
Answer:
Kaccha food is that food in whose making, oil or ghee is not used, only water is used. In caste system, it is fixed that from which caste one can take kaccha food and from which caste one can take pakka food.
Question 5.
What is Pakka food?
Answer:
Pakka food is exactly opposite to Kachcha food. Pakka food is that’food in whose making ghee or oil is used. It is fixed that from which caste one can take Pakka food. ‘
Question 6.
Modern Education and Caste.
Answer:
Now people are taking modern education which is based on Science and reason. That’s why gradually people come to know about demerits of caste and it leads to removal of caste restrictions from the society.
Question 7.
Social Security in Caste.
Answer:
If any problem comes to an individual then all the members of one caste collectively solve that problem. In this members of each caste get social security from their respective castes.
Question 8.
Membership of caste based on birth.
Answer:
It is a fact that membership of caste is based on birth. One cannot leave the caste in which he is born. At any cost he cannot leave his caste even if he is having the ability to do so.
Question 9.
To maintain purity of blood.
Answer:
Caste is an endogamous group in which one needs to marry in his own caste. It helps in maintaining purity of blood as blood from all the castes never mixes with each other.
Question 10.
Give one definition of caste.
Answer:
According to Martindale and Mona Chesi, “A caste is aggregate of persons whose share of obligations and privileges is fixed by birth, sanctioned and supported by magic and religion.”
Question 11.
Exploitation of lower castes.
Answer:
In caste system, lower castes were exploited by the upper castes. They were misbehaved and were not given any rights. They lived their fives in hell-like conditions.
Question 12.
Discuss two changes in the Caste System.
Answer:
- Due to the passing of many Legislations, the discrimination of untouchabifity is coming to an end.
- Due to the advent of many new occupations, the hierarchical order of the caste system and the superiority of many castes is changing.
Question 13.
Caste as Segmental division of society.
Or
Give the number and name of castes.
Answer:
In caste system, whole of the society was divided into different parts. First part comprised the Brahmins, second part comprised the Kshatriyas, third part was Vaishyas and the fourth part comprised the people of lower castes.
Question 14.
Change in the caste regarding marriage.
Answer:
Now people work with each other and come closer to each other. It led to increase in inter-cas’te marriages. People started to marry according to their own wish. Child marriage no more prevails, widow marriage is increasing day by day.
Short Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Meaning of Caste.
Or
Caste.
Answer:
Hindu social system has one of the important complex and interesting institutions which is known as caste system. Word Caste has been taken from Portuguese word ‘Casta’ whose meaning is birth. Caste is an endogamous group whose membership is based on birth, occupation is hereditary and traditional. Many types of restrictions are there regarding ways of living, eating, relations and marriage.
According to Risley, “Caste is a collection of families or group of families bearing a common name, claiming a common descent from mythical ancestor, human or divine. Professing to follow the name hereditary calling and regarded by those who are competent to give an opinion as forming a single homogeneous community.”
Question 2.
Give any four characteritics of Caste.
Answer:
- Membership of caste is based upon birth.
- Caste is an endogamous group.
- Restrictions on social relations are there in caste.
- Restrictions are there in caste regarding feeding.
- Occupation of a person is hereditary in caste. It means that no one can adopt any occupation of his choice.
- Society is divided in different segments.
- There is a definite hierarchy in caste system.
Question 10.
Give one definition of caste.
Answer:
According to Martindale and Mona Chesi, “A caste is aggregate of persons whose share of obligations and privileges is fixed by birth, sanctioned and supported by magic and religion.”
Question 11.
Exploitation of lower castes.
Answer:
In caste system, lower castes were exploited by the upper castes. They were misbehaved and were not given any rights. They lived their lives in hell-like conditions.
Question 12.
Discuss two changes in the Caste System.
Answer:
- Due to the passing of many Legislations, the discrimination of untouchability is coming to an end.
- Due to the advent of many new occupations, the hierarchical order of the caste system and the superiority of many castes is changing.
Question 13.
Caste as Segmental division of society.
Or
Give the number and name of castes.
Answer:
In caste system, whole of the society was divided into different parts. First part comprised the Brahmins, second part comprised the Kshatriyas, third part was Vaishyas and the fourth part comprised the people of lower castes.
Question 14.
Change in the caste regarding marriage.
Answer:
Now people work with each other and come closer to each other. It led to increase in inter-caste marriages. People started to marry according to their own wish. Child marriage no more prevails, widow marriage is increasing day by day.
Short Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Meaning of Caste.
Or
Caste.
Answer:
Hindu social system has one of the important complex and interesting institutions which is known as caste system. Word Caste has been taken from Portuguese word ‘Casta’ whose meaning is birth. Caste is an endogamous group whose membership is based on birth, occupation is hereditary and traditional. Many types of restrictions are there regarding ways of living, eating, relations and marriage.
According to Risley, “Caste is a collection of families or group of families bearing a common name, claiming a common descent from mythical ancestor, human or divine. Professing to follow the name hereditary calling and regarded by those who are competent to give an opinion as forming a single homogeneous community.”
Question 2.
Give any four characteritics of Caste.
Answer:
- Membership of caste is based upon birth.
- Caste is an endogamous group.
- Restrictions on social relations are there in caste.
- Restrictions are there in caste regarding feeding.
- Occupation of a person is hereditary in caste. It means that no one can adopt any occupation of his choice.
- Society is divided in different segments.
- There is a definite hierarchy in caste system.
Question 3.
What is Hierarchy?
Answer:
There was a definite hierarchy in caste system. Society was divided in different segments on the basis of their higher or lower status. Brahmins got the higher status in all parts of India. Kshatriyas were coming at second place and third place was of Vaishyas. Fourth and the last place was given to lower castes. Social status of any person in society was determined on the basis of this hierarchy.
Question 4.
Caste as Segmental division of Society.
Or
Segment division of Society.
Answer:
The Indian society was divided in many segments in caste system and generally it was divided in four segments. Status, place and functions of member of every segment were pre-determined. Every caste had its own rituals, customs, traditions, values etc. That is why the scope of relations of members of every caste was generally limited to its own caste. Every caste was a social unit in itself where a person can spend his whole life.
Question 5.
Membership based on birth.
Or
How is membership of caste fixed or determined?
Answer:
Membership of any caste is based upon birth. No one can detrmine his caste according to his wish. Social status of a person was determined by that caste in which caste that person was born. No one can change his caste even if he has the ability to do so. In this way the person used to get social status according to the caste in which he was born, not on the basis of individual ability.
Question 6.
Which type of restrictions are there in caste regarding food?
Answer:
Some clear rules are there in caste system which tell us that with which caste we can establish relations regarding food or feeding. Whole food has been divided into two parts-Kachcha food and Pakka food. Kachcha food is that food which can be made with the help of water and Pakka food is that food which can be made with the help of oil or ghee. A general rule is that any person never takes kachcha food till that time until it has not been made by the person of his own caste. Brahmins accept Pakka food from any specific caste.
Question 7.
How is occupation fixed in caste?
Answer:
According to the rules of caste system, all the castes have their traditional, specific and hereditary occupations. Every person has to adopt the occupation of that caste in which he is born even if the other occupations are more profitable. Person had no choice instead of adopting his traditional and hereditary occupations. Main function of the brahmins was to perform religious function and to give education to people. Function of Kshatriyas was to protect the country and rule over the country. Vaishyas were doing agriculture and business and the function of lower castes was to serve the people of higher three castes. All of them had to adopt traditional occupations.
Question 8.
What are the rules regarding marriage in caste?
Answer:
Most of the castes have been divided in sub-castes in caste system and all of these sub-castes are not allowed to marry with the people of other caste or sub-caste. Person has to marry in his own caste. Yet in some conditions person was free to marry with the girl of lower caste but the general rule was that person has to marry in his own caste. If any one was trying to break this rule he was generally thrown out of his caste and he was not allowed to enter in any other caste or sub-caste. In this way all of them were allowed to marry within their own castes.
Question 9.
Restrictions regarding castes.
Or
Which restrictions were related with caste?
Answer:
Some rules are there in every caste regarding restrictions on some points like:
- Every person had to adopt the occupation of his own caste.
- He has to obey the restrictions regarding rules of feeding.
- He has to marry in his own caste.
- Lowfer were not allowed to get education and to enter into the temples.
- Lower people were not allowed to touch the people of higher castes and to take water from wells of people of higher castes.
Question 10.
Restrictions on Social relations.
Or
Which type of restrictions were there in caste system regarding Social relations?
Answer:
Society was divided in different castes in earlier times and the sense of high and low was there in these castes. People of higher castes lived inside the village and people of lower castes lived outside of the village. They kept themselves away from each other.Lower castes were also not allowed to perform Upanayana Samskara. In this way restrictions were there on people to establish relations with people of other castes.
Question 11.
How caste provides social security?
Answer:
Caste provides social security to its members. Members of every caste are always ready to help the members of their castes. There was ho need for a person to be worried from any point of view because he was aware of the fact that caste will definitely help him if any need arises. Caste gives social security in two ways. Firstly it determines the social status of a person and secondly it protects the person from every type of problem.
Question 12.
Describe the functions of caste.
Answer:
- Caste determines the occupation of a person.
- Caste provides social security to a person.
- Caste gives mental security to a person.
- Caste maintains purity of the blood.
- Caste provides political stability to the country.
- Caste saves the technical knowledge.
- Caste determines the rules related to education.
Question 13.
Purity of blood.
Or
How caste maintains purity of blood?
Answer:
Caste is an endogamous group with which the purity of the blood can be maintained. There were very strict restrictions regarding marriage. No one was allowed to marry out of his own caste. That is why the marriages were performed only within the caste. If any one was trying to break this rule then he was generally thrown out of the caste. With this the purity of blood was maintained. No one was trying to marry out of his caste which helps in the maintenance of purity of blood.
Question 14.
Caste and Occupation efficiency.
Or
How caste brings efficiency in occupation?
Answer:
Occupation of every caste was fixed in caste system. These occupations were according to the family and lineage and were transmitted from generation to generation. Efficiency of occupation comes in every child due to his ancestral traits because he gets atmosphere of that occupation in the family in which he is born. In this way efficiency of occupation and specialization comes in a person automatically without getting education.
Question 15.
Untouchability.
Or
Caste gives rise to untouchability.
Or
Contribution of Caste in increasing untouchability.
Answer:
The reason of increasing untouchablity was the division of the caste system. A large portion of total population were considered as impure because the occupation adopted by them was known as impure. They were kept away from the society. They were not allowed to touch anyone. This restriction was known as untouchability. People of lower castes lived out of the village or the city. That is why many problems like poverty, illiteracy etc. came in our society. Even restrictions regarding relations and feeding were there with them.
Question 16.
Caste is a closed group.
Or
Is Caste a closed group?
Answer:
Yes, caste is a closed group. Meaning of closed group is that the membership is based on birth. Social status of a person was determined by that caste in which he was bom. Person can neither leave his caste nor can change his caste. Anyone cannot change his caste even if he has enough ability. Membership of caste was not based upon the ability and wish of the person but was based upon birth. In this way it is a closed group.
Question 17.
Give merits of Caste.
Or
Two merits of Caste.
Answer:
- Caste does division of labour.
- Caste maintains the social unity.
- Caste maintains the purity of blood.
- Caste makes the rules of education.
- Caste produces cooperation in society.
- Caste provides mental and social security to the person.
Question 18.
Caste hindrance in Social Unity.
Or
Caste hinders Social Mobility.
Answer:
It is right that the caste is a hindrance in social unity and social mobility. It is so because society has been divided in many segments. There are many restrictions in keeping mutual relations in different castes. That is why there was no feeling of love and sympathy in people of different castes. Every caste thinks only about its members. People of lower castes were exploited by the people of higher castes because of which hatredness comes in castes and the sense of casteism comes in front of us. In this way caste is a hindrance in social unity. No one can change his caste because of which it lacks social mobility.
Question 19.
Causes of change in Caste.
Or
Why is Caste changing?
Answer:
- Socio-religious movements.
- Efforts of Indian government and making of legislations.
- Contribution of Britishers towards change.
- Change in caste due to industrialization.
- Because of the spread of education.
- Because of development in the means of transport and communication.
Question 20.
Is Caste changing?
Or
Future of Caste.
Answer:
Yes, caste is changing. Now importance is laid on money instead of caste. The policy of reservation is being adopted in jobs for scheduled castes. Now person can adopt any occupation. Inter-caste marriages have been started. Many changes have taken place in the rules of feeding. Now elections are fought on the name of caste. In this way after looking at this we can say that the caste is changing.
Question 21.
Demerits of Caste.
Answer:
- Position of women is lower in caste system.
- Caste system increases untouchability.
- Caste system increases casteism.
- Caste system increases cultural conflict.
- Caste system is a hindrance in social unity and social mobility.
- Caste system produces hindrance in efficiency of the person.
- It is against the democratic values of the country.
Question 22.
Difference in caste and class.
Answer:
- Caste is based upon birth but class is based upon wealth and money.
- Caste cannot be changed but class can be changed.
- Caste is a closed system but class is an open system.
- Caste is against democratic system but class is according to the rules of democratic system.
- Caste is putting many restrictions on its members but there is no restriction in class system.
- There is no consciousness in caste but there is consciousness in differnt classes.
Question 23.
What do you mean by Inter-caste marriage?
Answer:
In ancient times, marriage out of the caste was not allowed. But there is no such restriction in modern times. When any person marries with the girl of other caste instead of his own caste then it is known as Inter-caste marriage.
Question 24.
Caste is Intra-marriage.
Or
Endogamy.
Or
Caste Endogamy.
Answer:
It is right that caste is Intra-marriage. It means that the person has to marry in his own caste. He is not allowed to marry out of his caste. If he marries out of his caste then he can be thrown out of his caste. It can help in maintaining purity of blood.
Question 25.
The Caste gives Social Structure.
Answer:
The whole society was divided in four segments in caste system. Every segment had its own social status and every segment had its predetermined traditional and hereditary occupations. No one was allowed to change his caste. Castes were restricted to make relation with other castes regarding marriage, feeding and keeping relations. In this way the whole society runs like an organisation or structure in caste system in which #11 the segments worked in their own way. In this way caste system gives social structure.
Question 26.
Give differences between caste and class.
Answer:
| Class | Caste |
| 1. Social status of a person is made with the individual ability of its members. | 1. There is no place of individual ability in caste. Social status Is based upon birth. |
| 2. Membership of class is based upon money, status etc. | 2. Membership of caste is based upon birth. |
| 3. Person in class has more freedom of doing anything. | 3. There are many types of restrictions on the person regarding feeding, relations, marriage etc. |
| 4. Very less mutual distance is there in class. | 4. Different castes are very much far away from each other. |
| 5. Class system is based upon the theory of Democracy. | 5. Caste system is completely against the system of Democracy. |
| 6. Any person can change his class with his individua ability. | 6. Person cannot change his caste even if he has the ablity to do so. |
| 7. Different persons are very much conscious about their class in class system. | 7. There is no consciousness in caste system because no one can change his caste. |
Question 27.
Power.
Answer:
Society is generally divided into classes and humans are given status and roles according to these classes. Each person has different status and role. This division of society into different classes is known as stratification. When a person gets any position in society while obeying his role and status then we can say that he has achieved the power. In- this way power is a proces of contract in which decisions are taken in relation to preferences.
Question 28.
Caste Panchayat.
Answer:
During ancient times, there were caste Panchayats in villages which used to decide on the matters of different castes. Generally elders of upper castes were their members. It was believed that these caste panchayats decided impartially but actually decisions were given after looking at the caste of an individual. If the crime was committed by the person of upper caste then he was given less punishment but if even small type of crime was committed accidently by a lower caste person then he was given quite a heavy punishment. These caste panchayats have been abolished by the Indian Constitution.
Long- Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
What is Varna System? Explain its meaning.
Answer:
The mixture of materialism and spiritualism is the main feature of the Indian Hindu Culture. According to this, meeting with God is the biggest pleasure but the pleasures of the world cannot be ignored. So the Hindu Culture has generated a system to get the pleasures of the mixture of both. This is known as Varna system. The Varna system was an unseparated part of Hindu culture inspite of basic base of Hindu Social system. Therefore, the duties related to Varna were called Varna Dharma. The relations between person and society were described systematically. With this help a person gives his help to run a social organisation. The Varna system had divided Indian society into four different parts so that the social functions could function systematically.
Literal meaning of Varna is colour. During Vedic period the Indian society was divided into four groups or Varna. The work of Brahmins was to give education and perform religious activities, Kshatriya’s work was to protect society and to defend country, the work of Vaishya was trade and agriculture. The work of fourth Varna was to serve all the three classes. Similarly the colour was given to these groups as per their work. For example, white colour to Brahmin, red colour to Kshatriya, yellow colour to Vaishya and black colour to fourth Varna were given. The white colour was the symbol of purity, the red colour was the symbol of anger and bravery, the yellow colour was the symbol of life’s physical commodities like food, clothes etc. Such division was done to fulfil the desires of human beings. Inspite of Indian society, we can find such division of work also in other societies of the world.
Meaning of the Varna. According to literature the word Varna is taken from word Vari’ which means to ‘choose’. Varna relates to the selection of work. In the same way the people of same Varna have same profession. Varna also means colour which was given to different classes. The same colour indicates the function of that
Varna. According to Dr. Sharma, it was not possible for the people of the Vedic period that they could evaluate their physical features. So, the meaning of Varna cannot be the colour. Therefore, word Varna mainly was related to qualities and Karma. Similarly, the Varna system was a system which divided different persons as per their qualities and profession in different classes.
In Varna system, the aim of these four divisions of whole society was to attain salvation as per their fate Karma-Dharma and religion which is the main aim of every Hindu life. In Varna system the responsibilities were organised in a way that every person could attain salvation by doing these functions.
Another thought about Varna system comes in mind that we should make one system to make / keep social system stable and that is Varna system, so that people cannot interfere in each other’s functions. The Varna system defines the area of work of each Varna. When this work is done then the desire of social and personal development arises. On one side the Varna system inspires a person to perform his hereditary profession and reduces physical desires and on other side it inspires a person to get knowledge, power and enjoy his life.
In this way, Varna system was a system in which the functions of a person are divided according to his birth. It is hoped from a person that he will do this work for the whole life, so that the whole system that is social system can remain stable or it can work systematically.
Question 2.
Explain in detail about Varna System.
Or
Explain Varna System as the traditional basis of Indian society.
Or
Explain functions of all ‘Varnas’ in system of Varna. (Varna system)
Answer:
Varna System was the base of traditional Hindu society and social organisation. There were many theories for Varna system to come in existence such as fate, birth, colour and man. These theories show similarity in the functions of Varna’s. In the form of tradition, Indian society was divided in four divisions on the basis of work. Varnas are formed to organise the society. The functions of Varna were determined so that no conflict may occur. Some rules were formed to fulfil the functions. To obey these rules was compulsory for all. The functions of four Varnas are given below:
1. Functions of Brahmins. The Brahmins were considered the highest of all the Varnas. The main function of Brahmin Varna was to give education and knowledge. In Vedas, Brahmin was accepted as supreme member of the society. According to Bhagwat Geeta, the qualities of a Brahmin were purity, to tolerate pain for religion, to excuse and, purity of body. So he was given supreme functions. The main function of Brahmin was to perform “Yagya”, study of Vedas, education and to perform religious functions. All functions were considered incomplete without the presence of Brahmin. People used to give them charity. If they could not feed themselves on their profession, then they could adopt the profession of Kshatriya and Vaishya. The responsibilities of Brahmins were to educate society and perform all religious functions from birth to death.
2. Kshatriya’s Functions. In the Varna system the work of Kshatriya was to protect people and to defend the country. Word “Rajad” was used for the people of Kshatriya Varna in Rigveda which means ‘King’ or ‘Great’. Therefore this word was always used for ruling class of the state. It was considered that if a country is insecure then it cannot do progress. So, the main function of Kshatriya was to protect the society and to defend the country. According to Bhagwat Gita, the real duty of the Kshatriyas was to rule with bravery, zeal and patience. In society the Kshatriyas had second position. So, the work of Kshatriyas was to protect the society internally and defend the country externally.
3. Functions of Vaishya. The group of persons which was related to economic activities of the society was called Vaishya. First of all the word Vaishya is used in Rigveda. According to Manu Samriti, the functions of Vaishya were to protect the animals, give charity, perform yagya, study, trade, take interest by lending money, do agriculture, rear animals and do sale and purchase business. They could perform the works of others also as per needs.
4. Functions of Fourth Varna. A group was established for the service of all three Varnas which is fourth Varna. According to religious books the main duty of this Varna was to serve the other three Varnas-Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishyas. This Varna was considered the lowest of all Varnas in the society. So, they were not given any economic, religious and social rights. They were not allowed to read and listen to Vedas’. Later on they were allowed to do the functions like art, agriculture and carpentery. This system had an important place in Hindu Social organisation. Traditionally this system was the base of Indian Society. There’is no evidence in the History that the Varnas were based on birth and fate. According to all religious scriptures, the Varna system was based on the traits and professions of a person, not on birth.
Question 3.
Explain the main features of Varna System.
Or
Explain the importance of Varna System.
Or
Explain the significance of Varna System in Indian Society.
Answer:
Varna system was established in Indian social system so that the Indian society could be administered smoothly. To run this society efficiently, the society was divided in four different parts. Function of every part was kept different so that no tension would come in the distribution of occupations. Main features and importance of Varna system is given below:
1. Division of Labour. The function of every Varna was determined in Varna system so that all of the social needs of humans could be fulfilled. That’s why function of every Varna was determined. In this every person does his determined work and contributes towards the progress of society. Brahmins were given the function of education, Kshatriyas were given the function of security, Vaishya’s function was of business and fourth Varna was given the function to give service to higher three Varnas. In this way division of labour occurs in Varna System.
2. It is based upon Traits and Nature. Some persons are of the view that the Varna System is based upon birth and person had to adopt the occupation of that Varna in which he was born. But if we look at the ancient scriptures then we come to know that it was not based upon birth. In earlier times it was based upon personal traits and nature of the person. But with the passage of time it became rigid and instead of based upon traits it became based upon birth.
3. Stress on Theory of Karma. This system gives stress on the theory of Karma that person will adopt the traditional occupation of that Varna in which he was born and will live his whole life while doing that work. With this the person was also told about the concept of recarnation or rebirth that if he will perform his duties in a proper way then he will get the next birth in the high Varna. With this the people started to perform their duties in an efficient manner and became satisfied with their respective positions.
4. Division of Rights and Duties. Every Varna in Varna system has been given some duties and rights. In this, the status of Brahmins is highest and that’s why their rights are also more than others. Duties of every one are determined in it and the duties of all are useful for the society. This system will shatter in the absence of one. Rights are also determined in it. That’s why definite levels were fixed in all Varnas and their higher or lower status was determined in society.
5. Determination of Occupation. Occupations of every Varna in Varna system are pre-determined and traditional and every person has to adopt the occupation of his Varna. Advantage of this system is that there is no need for person to move here and there to earn money because his occupation is already determined by birth.
In this way we can say that Varna system was of great importance in society and Karma System also came into being due to this.
Question 4.
Give features of caste system as given by G.S. Ghurye.
Answer:
Ghurye has given features of caste sytem which are more acceptable:
- Segmental division of society
- Hierarchy
- Restrictions on feeding and social intercourse .
- Civil and religious disabilities and privileges of various castes.
- Lack of unrestricted choice of occupation
- Restriction on marriage.
Now we will see these features in detail:
1. Segmental division of society. Caste system divides the Hindu society in many parts in which it determines or fixes the status, position and functions of the members of every part. That is why members of any specific group are conscious about their position and because of which they think themselves as unbreakable part of that group. The area of interaction of members of one caste is limited to its own caste because of this division of society in parts. Every caste has its own ways of living, traditions, values etc. Generally members of one caste interact with the members of its own caste. In this way according to Ghuriye one caste is a social unit in which person lives his whole life.
2. Hierarchy. In most parts of India, Brahmin varna has got the highest status. We can see a definite hierarchy in caste system in which all castes are kept in a definite hierarchy. In this system the status of highest and lowest caste is definitely determined but there is some unclarity between the middle caste.
3. Restrictions on feeding and social intercourse. There are some definite and detailed rules in caste system which tell us that with which caste a person can keep social relations and with which caste he can keep relations of feeding. Whole food has been divided in two categories of ‘Kacha Food’ and ‘Pakka Food’. We need water to cook ‘Kacha Food’ and we need oil to cook Pakka Food. There are a number of restrictions in giving and taking food of different castes.
4. Civil and religious disabilities and privileges of various castes. Different castes have special civil and religious disabilities. In ancient times impure castes were kept out of the limit of the village. There were restrictions on social intercourse with impure castes. They were restricted to go to the temples of higher castes, they were restricted to take water from the wells. They were restricted to read religious books. Children of lower castes were restricted to get education. Higher castes had special privileges over lower castes.
5. Lack of unrestricted choice of occupation. According to the rules of caste system, some castes had traditional occupations. Members of the caste had to adopt the traditional occupation. But some occupations like trade, agriculture, job etc. were free to be done by anyone. But still with that a number of castes had definite occupations like carpenter, blacksmith, potter etc.
6. Restrictions on marriage. Castes were again divided into sub-castes. These sub-castes were restricting its members to marry out of their group. The characteristic of caste is that it is an endogamous group. Person has to marry in his own sub-caste. If any one was breaking this rule then he was generally thrown out of his caste.
Question 5.
Give features of Caste System.
Or
Write a detailed note on the main characteristics of caste system.
Or
Explain the characteristics of caste.
Answer:
Caste is a group whose membership is based on birth. Person cannot leave his caste until he is not thrown out of his caste. Caste is a closed group. It means no one can marry out of his caste and there are restrictions on living in it. Caste system has certain characteristics which are given below:
1. Membership is based on birth. Membership of caste is based upon birth and no one can fix his caste with his own wish. One cannot change his caste even if he has the ability to do so. Is this way membership of caste is based upon birth, not on the ability of an individual.
2. Restrictions on social relations. In earlier times, whole of the society was divided into different castes and their status was pre-determined. There were a number of restrictions regarding keeping relations with other castes. People of upper castes were keeping relations only with upper castes. They were not allowed to keep relations with lower castes.
3. Restrictions on Eatables. Few clear rules are there in the caste system which tells that with which caste one has to keep feeding relations or not. Whole of the food was divided into two categories and these were Kachha food and Pakka food. Water was used to make Kachha Food and oil was used to cook Pakka food. There was a general rule that one never eats the Kachha food unless it is made by the member of his own caste or the food must be made by the Brahmin or his Guru. That’s why most of the castes accepted the food given by Brahmins. But Brahmins never accepted Kachha food made by any one of the other caste. Pakka food was accepted only by a specific caste. In this way restriction on feeding was one of the major features of caste system.
4. Restriction on occupation. According to the rules of caste system, castes had their specific traditional occupations. Person had to adopt the occupation of his own caste even if the other occupations were more profitable. Man had no choice except adopting his caste’s occupation. But some occupations were free to be adopted by any one like trade, agriculture, job in military etc. Even many castes were free to adopt any occupation but many castes used to do their traditional functions like carpenter, blacksmith, barber, potter etc. Main function of Brahmins was to give education and to perform religious rites, function of Kshatriya was to protect the country, function of Vaishyas was to do agriculture and trade and lower castes used to serve the higher castes. They had to perform their traditional functions.
5. Restrictions on marriage. Caste system was again divided and different
castes were divided into sub castes. These sub castes used to restrict their members to marry out of their group. Endogamy is the important feature of caste system. It means to marry in the group. Yet in some specific .conditions, there were some relaxations. But generally they had to marry in their own caste. If anyone was breaking this rule then he was generally thrown out of his caste and was restricted to enter any other caste. In this way everyone used to marry in his own caste or sub-caste. ”
6. Segmental division of society. Hindu society was divided into many parts by caste system and the status, place and function of every part were determined by it. That is why members had some consciousness of being members of a group and used to think themselves as the unavoidable and unbreakable part of the group. Because of this segmental division of society the area of interaction for a person was generally restricted to his own caste. Panchayat was free to give punishment to the person who will break the rules of caste. Different castes had different traditions and ways of living. People of one caste were generally interacting with the persons of their own caste.
7. Restrictions related with caste. Restrictions related with caste are given below:
- Person had to adopt the occupation of his own caste.
- He had to obey the restrictions related to feeding.
- He had to marry in his own caste.
- Lower castes were forbidden to get education and to enter the temple.
- Lower castes were also restricted to touch anyone and to take water from the wells.
9. Each caste consists of many sub-castes. In India, there are about 3000 castes. Again every caste is divided further into many sub-castes. Persons have to work according to these sub-castes. Every person has to marry in his own sub-caste.
10. Endogamy. There were strict restrictions related to marriage. A person was not allowed to marry out of his caste but he had to marry in his own sub-caste. If anyone was breaking this rule then he was generally thrown out of his caste. Anulom marriage was also allowed to a certain extent. That is why boy of higher caste used to marry girl of lower caste. So endogamy was the main base of caste system. Even after doing different functions different castes were dependent upon each other because the occupation of every caste was definite. Members of every caste were dependent upon the members of other castes to fulfil their needs. From economic point of view, position of higher castes was better and lower castes were very much suppressed by high castes. That is why their economic condition was not good.
Question 6.
What are the merits and demerits of caste system?
Or
Write a note on advantages and disadvantages of caste system.
Or
Discuss merits and demerits of caste system.
Answer:
Caste is that’group in itself which has played an important role in the Hindu society and in India. The functions which caste system has done for Indian society, all the other social organizations are jointly unable to do that much work for Indian Society. In this way we can see that caste system has many merits and advantages. But with these advantages there are certain disadvantages also of caste system. All these advantages and disadvantages are’ given below
Merits or Advantages of Caste System:
1. It gives Social Security. The biggest advantage of caste is that it provides social security to its members. Members of one caste are always ready to give help to other members of the caste. That is why there is no need to worry to’ anyone because he knows that if any problem comes on him then his caste will definitely give him help. Caste system determines social status of man and reduces the possibility of competition.
2. Fixation of Occupation. Another characteristic of caste system is that it determines the occupation or function for the person. This occupation is according to his family and is transmitted from one generation to another generation. Occupational qualities come automatically in the child of the family. In this way specialization comes in the person without any formal education. Except this it also reduces the competition of occupation in society and provides economic security. In this way it is an important advantage of caste system,
3. Purity of Blood. Caste System is an endogamous group. The meaning of endogamy is that man has to marry in his own caste and if any one was trying to break this rule then he was forced to leave the caste. Advantage of this thing is that it stops the blood of other castes to come in their caste and it maintains the purity of blood. In this way its advantage is that it helps in maintaining purity of blood.
4. Division of Labour. Another important advantage of caste system is that it produces feeling of love and dedication among humans towards their duties. Humans with lower duties were doing their functions properly. Caste system fills one feeling within its members that every person has got his function according to the deeds of his previous birth and if he does good deeds in this birth then he will get next birth in higher caste. It reduced the sense of hatred towards their functions and toward others. With this people did their functions properly. Caste system has divided the society in four varnas. Everyone knows about its functions properly. All of them do their functions properly and transmit their trade secrets to their next generations. In this stability is maintained in the society towards their functions and it helps in increasing division of labour and specialisation.
5. To make Rules of Education. Another important merit of caste system is that it has made definite rules regarding getting education and has made religion as the base of education. Education helps the person in learning self control, knowledge about occupation and to live in discipline. Education also gives knowledge about daily routine and occupation. Caste system determines that who will get education and which rule he has to obey. In this way caste system arranges the education for person according to the social status of his caste.
6. It maintains Social Unity. Another merit of caste system was that it kept the Indian society in unity. Caste system has divided the whole society in four parts and has given different functions to different parts. The way in which everyone has different functions in division of labour, in that same way caste system has produced division of labour in society. These different parts do different functions but help each other and fulfill each other’s needs. In this way .even after this division, they are tied in the thread of unity.
7. It gives Mental Security. The caste gives mental security to its members.
From the rules of caste, every person comes to know that which occupation he has to adopt, in which group he has to marry and perform religious customs and with which groups he has to establish social relations. In this way when a person is free from these burdens then he feels secured himself mentally.
8. Carrier of Culture. Caste system is the carrier of culture. Caste system helps in transmitting culture of one caste from one generation to another generation. Every caste has some rules related to eating, money, wearing, relations etc. and these rules are transmitted to another generation by caste system so that it can be preserved. In this way caste system regulates the social behaviour according to cultural rules.
9. Co-operation in Society. Caste system has established such a system in a society that people from different background are working with each other for the welfare of the society. With the help of caste system even foreigners were mixed in Hindu Society. So it increases co-operation in society.
10. Security of Hindu Society. Many foreign invaders had invaded India. First of all tribes of Central Asia, then Muslims, Mughals, Britishers came to India and ruled over it. If caste system would not have been there then Hindu society might have mixed in any one of these societies. But caste system has prevented this. Caste system is an endogamous system in which marriage out of its caste is restricted and a number of restrictions were there regarding feeding and social intercourse. That is why there were very less relations of Hindu society with foreigners and they were saved from mixing in them. In this way caste system has saved the Hindu society.
Demerits or Disadvantages of Caste System:
Yet a number of merits exist of the caste system and it has played an important role in keeping social unity but still it has produced a number of problems and evils in society which are given below:
1. Low Status of Women. The main reason of low status of women is caste
system. Because of controls of caste system, the position of Hindu women was not more than a maid in the family. Because caste is an endogamous group, that is why to find a match for their children in their own caste, they advocated the child marriage. It has resulted in polygamy. Kuleen Vivaha has also produced many evils, in society like polygamy, dowry system. Females used to work only in the house. The^ had no rights. In this way the main reason behind all the problems of women? vias caste system. Even it has not given the permission of widow remarriage ancFfemale was a server for the family only. .
2. Untouchability. Problem of untouchability came into being because 6f division of society by caste system. A big portion of total population was made untouchable and they were generally disgraced by the higher castes because their function was known as non-sacred. Their position was even less than servants. They were restricted in many ways. They were not allowed to take part in economic sector. In this way a large portion of population was just like a burden on society. That is why poverty came in society. It produced the sense of hatred in society and the problem of casteism came into being.
3. Casteism. With caste system, our thinking has been shrinked. Too much dependence upon caste related to marriage, occupation, social relations etc. increased the sense of casteism among people. It has increased th’e sense of prestige and hatred among people. It has increased the social and physical farness among the people. Because of this we have to face the problem of casteism. People only think about their caste.
4. Cultural Conflict. There are many restrictions in the relations of different castes and because of this every caste is a closed group which has ita own ways of living. This differentiation has given birth to cultural conflict. Different pastes have been divided in different cultural groups. We can see a number of conflicts in these groups. Higher castes think that their culture is superior and that is why they keep themselves away from other castes.
5. It Stops Social Mobility. Distribution of status in caste system depends upon birth. No one can change this with his ability. Every member knows that he cannot change or improve his position. This system never motivates to do hard work because person knows that he cannot change his position even with hard work. It is an obstacle in economic progress. People cannot invent anything even if they have ability to do so because people have to adopt their traditional occupation. Many occupations are running at very less pace because of caste system.
6. It Stops Efficiency Among Persons. The main reason of people lacking in efficiency is that they are under the control of caste and caste system. All the members of all the castes are not working by coordinating with each other instead they try to create obstacles in the way of other caste. Their occupation is hereditary and even if they don’t have any ability to do that work, they have to adopt their ancestral occupation. It reduces efficiency in persons.
7. Caste System and Democracy. Caste system is against the modern democratic system. Equality, freedom and social consciousness are the three bases of democracy but caste system is against these three bases. It is based upon inequality. Caste orders the person to live according to the life of caste which is totally against the democratic rules. Lower castes were restricted in many ways and they were unable to use their ability.
8. Hindrance to Social Unity. Caste system has divided our society in different segments and a system of hierarchy exists in these segments. There was strict restriction in establishing social contacts with other castes. Concept of sacred and non-sacredness exist in it. Person from higher caste was restricted to keep contacts with the persons of lower castes. In this way person has to keep contacts with the members of his own caste. Members of one caste were helping each other. In this way their mutual relations were of hatred. Caste system has divided the whole Indian society. It has increased dangers to national security. In this way the relations among people were of hatred and conflict. So caste system is not in favour of national unity. This is the main disadvantage of caste system.
9. Hindrance to Individual Personality. Caste system has produced obstacles in the development of individual. Sometimes people were not interested in their traditional occupation but they were forced to do so. This situation increases the mental tension. Individual have many traits but he cannot show his traits and caste becomes an obstacle in this. Children of one parents don’t have same capabilities but still they have to adopt their traditional occupation. In this way it hinders the individual personality. ”
In short we can say that caste system has produced relations of hatred among members of different castes. So it is necessary to remove these problems so that our country should be able to develop like Western Countries.
Question 7.
Why are changes coming in Caste System?
Or
Is Caste System changing into Class System? What are the factors responsible for the change?
Answer:
Yes, Caste system changes into Class system. Like all other institutions, a number of changes are coming in caste system. Actually caste system was not there in Vedic age but caste system came into being because of division of labour. Slowly and slowly it was extended in such a way that different castes were gone far away from each other. Many invaders invaded India and caste system put restrictions on its members on social intercourse with foreigners with which caste system became more strict. With this caste became a closed group. After 19th century a number of changes came in Indian society and these changes have affected a lot the caste system and with which its effect has been reduced. These changes did not come at once. Many reasons have contributed towards changes which are given below:
1. Socio-Religious Reforms Movements. Even before the advent of British empire many religious movements had criticised the caste system. Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Sikhism had criticised caste system. Gautam Buddha had criticised caste system 2500 years back. Except this Islam and later on Sikhism also criticised caste system. In 19th century many social reformers had started movements against this. Some of these movements were Brahmo Samaj by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Arya Samaj by Dayanand Saraswati, Rama Krishna Mission etc. were important. Except these Jyoti Ba Phule established Satya Shodhan Samaj in 1873 whose main aim was to provide equality to every person. Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar also criticised the caste system.
2. Efforts of Indian Government. Under the British empire and after independence many important laws were passed by government which contributed towards weakening of caste system. Caste and rural panchayats were very powerful before British rule. These panchayats had the rights to give punishment to criminals. During British empire One Law i.e. ‘Caste Disabilities Removal Act, 1850’ was passed which has weakened the Caste Panchayats. In this way ‘Special Marriage Act, 1872’ gave approval to the marriage of different castes. After independence a number of laws like Untouchability Offences Act, 1955 and Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 also weakened the caste system. In 1949 Hindu Marriage Validation Act was passed in which legal sanction was given to inter-caste marriage.
3. Contribution of the Britishers. A comprehensive opposition against caste system was started during the British reign. The British had applied the rule of equality in front of_ law. Rights from caste based Panchayats were taken back. Educational system of the British was secular. Government jobs were open to everyone. The British started modern industries, rails, buses etc. which was a strong slap on the face of caste system. All the people jointly worked in the industries and travelled in rails and buses with each other which resulted in the establishment of contacts between different castes.
4. Industrialization. Industrialization played an important role in bringing change in caste system. It increased the importance of ability of the person. Importance of materialism has also been increased. People came out of their houses to go to job. Everyone started to work in industries. In industries no one asks for anyone’s caste but they look to each other’s abilities. Lower castes have also got higher status with their hard work.
5. Modern Education. Modern education has also put a great effect on caste system. In ancient Hindu Society, education was confined only for higher castes and education was also based upon religion. But with the advent of Britishers, a rule of equality was started by Britishers. Then educational institutions were opened for everyone. Western Education was started instead of religious education. Boys and girls both started to get education. In this way modern educational system started to give importance to individual’s abilities instead of any one’s caste. With this inter-caste relations started to establish. After independence Indian Constitution also started to apply democratic values which was a great setback to caste system.
6. Urbanization. Urbanization was also developed with industrialization because people came out of their house for work. Urban features like more density of population, individual’s feelings, social mobility, more occupations etc. have weakened the caste system. People live with each other in big cities. Feeling of assimilation of higher and lower caste was increased. The individual abilities started to control the society. Man has to achieve status in society. Difference on the basis of gender in cities was decreased. Males and females started to work together. In this way females came out of the four walls of houses and started to work in offices. They became economically independent. Urbanization has increased the mutual contacts between different castes which resulted in exogamy instead of endogamy.
7. Importance of Money. Caste System started to weaken due to an increase in materialistic approach of the people. People get status due to money in society. Every one gives respect to rich persons irrespective of his caste. In Modem Society person works only for the sake of his profit. Every one tries to earn more and more money. It increases the importance of individuals’ abilities. In this way the importance of money has been increased and the importance of caste system has been reduced.
8. Formation of New Social Groups. People doing different jobs have made their new groups like Trade Unions. People from different castes and groups are included in these groups and their aim is to protect their interests. With this people of different castes come-closer to each other and start to co-operate with others. With this class consciousness comes into being instead of caste consciousness.