What is Hindu caste system?
The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. The main castes were further divided into about 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on their specific occupation.
What are the 5 Hindu castes?
Caste System in Ancient India
- Brahmins (priests, gurus, etc.)
- Kshatriyas (warriors, kings, administrators, etc.)
- Vaishyas (agriculturalists, traders, etc., also called Vysyas)
- Shudras (laborers)
What are the main features of caste system?
According to him, the six main features of the caste system are: segmental division of society, hierarchy of groups, restriction of feeding and social intercourse, allied and religious disabilities and privileges of the different sections, lack of unrestricted choice of occupation, and restriction on marriage.
Why is caste system important in Hinduism?
The caste system provides a hierarchy of social roles that hold inherent characteristics and, more importantly, remain stable throughout life (Dirks, 1989). Individuals born into the Kshatriya caste have been warriors and kings. Individuals born into the Vaishya caste have been merchants.
What are three facts about the Indian caste system?
Communities were arranged on the basis of castes – the upper and lower castes always lived in segregated colonies. The water wells and basic amenities were not shared with those from different castes. Brahmins would not accept food or drink from the Shudras, and one could marry only within one’s caste.
What are the 4 levels of the caste system?
The traditional caste system consists of a hierarchy of four castes (varnas): Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors), Vaishyas (merchants and cultivators), and Shudras (servants).
What is the purpose of a caste system?
The caste system provides a hierarchy of social roles that hold inherent characteristics and, more importantly, remain stable throughout life (Dirks, 1989). An implicit status is attached to one’s caste which historically changed from the social roles to hereditary roles.
What are the 4 main classes of the Indian caste system?
The caste system is deeply rooted in the Hinduism belief in karma and reincarnation. Dating back more than 3,000 years, the caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras based on who they were in their past life, their karma, and what family line they come from.
What are the two principles of caste system?
The two principles to understand the theoretical interpretation of caste are hierarchy and discrimination.