Caste System in India
Telangana Open School (TOSS) · Class 12 · Sociology
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What is the caste system?
Answer
The caste system is a traditional form of social stratification in India where people are divided into hierarchical groups based on birth. Each caste has fixed roles, restrictions on marriage, food ha…
Define 'caste' according to Sir Herbert Risley.
Answer
According to Sir Herbert Risley, 'Caste is a collection of families, bearing a common name, claiming common descent from a mythical ancestor (human or divine), professing to follow the same hereditary…
What does the word 'caste' originate from?
Answer
The word 'caste' comes from the Spanish word 'casta', meaning 'breed, race, strain, or a complex of hereditary qualities'. The Portuguese used it to describe Indian social groups known as 'jati'.
What is the difference between 'Varna' and 'Jati'?
Answer
'Varna' refers to the four broad categories in ancient Hindu society: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. 'Jati' refers to the thousands of actual caste groups people belong to in real life.
List the four Varnas in order of hierarchy.
Answer
1. Brahmins (priests and teachers) 2. Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) 3. Vaishyas (traders and farmers) 4. Shudras (servants and laborers)…
What are the main characteristics of the caste system?
Answer
The main characteristics are: - Hereditary (based on birth) - Hierarchical (some castes are above others) - Endogamous (marriage within the caste) - Occupational restriction (fixed jobs) - Restriction…
What is meant by 'endogamy' in the caste system?
Answer
Endogamy means that marriage must take place within one's own caste. Intercaste marriages were traditionally prohibited. This practice helps maintain caste boundaries and social purity.
Explain 'Sapinda and Sagotra exogamy'.
Answer
Sapinda exogamy means one cannot marry within five maternal and seven paternal generations. Sagotra exogameans marriage within the same Gotra (lineage from a common sage) is not allowed. These rules p…
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