Caste System in India
The caste system in India is like a social hierarchy that is divided into four main groups: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors), Vaishyas (merchants and artisans), and Shudras (laborers). Those who did not fit into these four categories, they were known as Dalits or untouchables. They usually performed the tasks like cleaning and cremation.
- Unfortunately in India, there was a lot of discrimination against these lower castes.
- Upper caste people mistreated them. Lower caste people were not allowed to enter into certain places or events.
- Lower caste individuals were punished for touching the upper caste people.
- Upper caste people would not accept food or water from these lower castes.
- Life for lower caste people was very tough.
They faced constant harassment because of this rigid caste system. Many reformers like Jyotirao Phule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stood against this type of injustice. Here is the overview table of the Caste System in India as mentioned below.
|
Class |
Caste Group | Description Of The Caste Groups |
|---|---|---|
|
Upper |
Brahmins | Priests and scholars |
| Kshatriyas | Rulers, warriors, and administrators | |
| Vaishyas | Merchants, traders, and agriculturalists | |
|
Lower |
Shudras | Laborers and service providers |
| Dalits (Untouchables) | Socially marginalized and oppressed groups |
Caste and Social Reform – NCERT Class 8 Notes
“Caste and Social Reform” – Class 8 Notes: The caste system in India is like a social hierarchy that has been around for thousands of years. It is all about which family you are born into. It decides everything from your job to your social circle as well as the family patterns, including sex selection also. This system became more strict under British Raj. They organized everyone into different categories and schedules during the census.
Caste and Social Reform – NCERT Class 8 Notes