Caste System In India

Back in the day in India, when the West still believed the Earth was flat, the society was very much structured. Think of a multi-storied building, with the ground floor housing the lowest ranking class of people and the highest-ranking members living the life in the penthouse. Being on the lowest rung of the social structure, this class of people known as “Shudras” are the ones who do all the menial and dirty work. They are heavily oppressed and shunned by the other classes. As one moves higher up the social strata, they come across many class-oriented professions, such as middle-class businessmen, soldiers etc.



The highest-ranking members were the most revered and also considered sacred. They were seen as the pathway towards God. One thing that should be made sure is that this stratification occurs mainly in Hinduism, which is the primary religion of India. The highest-class is known as the “Brahmin” class and exists to this day, performing their duties mainly as priests. However, the fee paid to the Brahmins for performances of sacrifice and other religious rituals were grossly materialistic. They also try to maintain as much distance from the lowest class as possible. The kings and warriors come under another class called the "Kshatriyas" and the skilled and professionals are classified as "Vaishyas" in the caste system. One interesting fact that was very much prevalent in those times ,but abolished since then, was “untouchability.” The “shudras” were labelled as untouchables and were considered religiously unclean. Touching them or having any sort of contact both directly and indirectly was considered inauspicious and the person becomes an untouchable himself, even if he was of the highest caste.



People don’t choose to be of any caste. They are born into it. Since those dark yet rich days, this caste system has become illegal. However, in many remote parts of the country, they are still prevalent, putting a dark mark on the otherwise respectable nation of India.