THE CASTE SYSTEM IN INDIA

Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation

The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras.  According to popular opinion, these groups originated from Brahma the Hindu god of creation. 

This system divides Hindus into inflexible hierarchal categories, according to their karma (work) and dharma (religion - duty).

The Brahmins were mainly teachers and intellectuals, the Kshatriyas were warriors and rulers, the Vaishyas were the tradesmen and shopkeepers and the Shudras did all the menial jobs.  Outside from the Hindu caste system were the Dalits or the untouchables.

For centuries caste has dictated almost every aspect of Hindu religious and social life with each group occupying a specific position in this very complex social ladder.  One could only marry within one's caste.  The upper and lower castes lived in segregated colonies, the water wells were not shared and Brahmins would not accept food or drink from Shudras.   A very unfair and cruel system.   

When I was a child in British India I had many, friends, they were mostly British, a few Greek, Indian and French.  I could not understand why my English friends, who were very nice girls, would not speak to our Indian maid because she was "an untouchable".  I could not comprehend the term and I thought it was very unfair because she was an extremely pleasant and good person.

When I grew up, I realised it wasn't their fault it was only due to racial, religious and social discrimination that bigoted society those days.


Fortunately, with the help of education and international travel, the influence of caste has declined, especially in the cities, where different castes are, currently, living next to each other and even interclass marriages are becoming quite common. 

    

The Taj Mahal