Caste System in India — Flashcards

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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…

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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…

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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'.

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'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.

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1. Brahmins (priests and teachers) 2. Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) 3. Vaishyas (traders and farmers) 4. Shudras (servants and laborers)…

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The main characteristics are: - Hereditary (based on birth) - Hierarchical (some castes are above others) - Endogamous (marriage within the caste) - Occupational restriction (fixed jobs) - Restriction…

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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.

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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…