Caste

Question: How is the caste of a naturalized Indian citizen determined? I am originally from Argentina and I intend to renounce to Argentine citizenship to acquire the Indian naturalization. I was wondering in which caste I will be classified after becoming a naturalized Indian citizen? Will I be considered outcast for not being born in Jambudvipa at all?

Answer: Firstly Caste system in India is centuries old tradition which is based on the birth of the person & caste of his father in the Indian Society. The caste based benefits are provided to those caste which have been recognised in the provided Schedule as per the Constitution of India. A Indian by birth borne to a father having a particular caste as recognised in the Schedule gets benefits over the General category Indian citizen. In your case since you are considering to be naturalized as Indian, however if your fore fathers(Paternal side only) had been Indian Citizen by origin & belonged to any particular caste which is now recognised as caste included in the given schedule, then you too can apply for the certificate of that particular caste & enjoy the benefits for that caste in the Indian society.

Question: How does the Caste System in hinduism differ from those in other religions? How does the Caste System in hinduism differ from those in other religions?

Answer: I believe that the Hindu Caste System is carved in stone, so to speak. Once you have been born into it, you can't change your rank or level.

Question: What have the successive governments in India done to end casteism and caste system? Independent India is committed to a 'caste-less society'. Everyone claims that it has been abolished but we find it mentioned everywhere. Caste/religious associations ar mushrooming. Will the system get eliminated at all?

Answer: What have the successive governments in India done to end casteism and caste system? Nothing. Will the system get eliminated at all? Yes, if there is political will. The only way to eliminate the system, I firmly believe, is to ban any reference to it altogether. So long as special privileges are made in name of caste, discriminations in name of caste will exist. Instead, empowering people on the basis of economic disadvantages alone is the way forward. With that, a cyclic chain of income generation, education, jobs and further economic empowerment leading to respectful place in society will be set in motion. Most kids in urban India, for example, only "discover" their caste at the time of admissions in college when they are asked to supply that information !! If the caste becomes an irrelevant factor, it'll become a forgotten word. The trickle down effect will eventually root it out from deep remote rural areas where it currently exists. Unfortunately, the politicians want to conduct a census and re-inforce their political votebanks basing it on divisive casteism. This way, it'll never end but take on a more horrifying form.

Question: What types of influences does the caste system have on Indian politics? This is under the assumption that the caste system is followed, so please don't scold me for asking this. I KNOW the caste system isn't as influencial as it used to (I think..), but I need answers for this. It can be something from the past too. I'm just asking what influences did India's caste system have on their politics. Like, they only picked Brahmans as politicals leaders, or something like that....

Answer: Those of high caste typically win elections. A smear tactic in campaigns is to reveal the caste of a rival if it is lower than yours. And then of course decry caste discrimination.....

Question: What benefits does the Caste system bring to Society? How does it help and whatnot. And if possible can this question be answered to? What are three rules of the Caste system?

Answer: The Caste system is effective in: -Giving India stability and continuity under all different kinds of rule -Giving meaning and direction to lives of Indian people; each member of Caste has a special place in the community and a special function to perform -Providing a framework for who makes sure certain jobs get done because a person in previous existence paved the way for his/her children and grandchildren Three rules: 1. Caste members must eat and drink only with other members from their caste 2. Members may only marry within their caste (there are some exceptions) 3. Members practice a common occupation, generally hereditary.

Question: How did ancient hindu caste members treat each other? I Love to ancient history and im stuck on how ancient hindu caste members treated each other? In other words. How did a Kshatriyan treat a vaisya in the ancient world and how did a vaisya treat a sudra and so forth.

Answer: one caste had to completely ignore the other.

Question: Tips to convince parents for marriage in different caste? Hello, me and my girl are from different caste. We love each other very much but our parents are not ready for our marriage just because of caste. We both are mature, work in same office, know each other from 4 years. While our both families are not ready for this relationship and want us to get separate. Can you give us tips to change our parents mind? We don't want to marry by running away.

Answer: Try talking to both parents together. Explain to them that you have both found the perfect partner, and that despite your caste differences, you will never find anyone else that would be better for you. Explain to them that YOU are the ones getting married, and that if they want you to be happy, they should allow you two to marry. Perhaps you could get the approval of your priest/religious leader, who could then talk to your parents? Remind your parents that this is 2010, not 1950, and that finding such a wonderful partner to stay with for the rest of your life is rare nowadays. If they are still being stubborn, just give it some time. You two are both mature adults, and they will soon realize that your marriage is a good thing, but you must give them some time and patience. I hope everything works out for both of you :)

Question: Why does Indian society still practise caste system with the natives of this country ? Im a social activist working with a NGO and im very much concerned about the people from downtrodden section of the indian society and trying hard to uplift them.Kindly,answer this question without taking into account what caste you belong to.

Answer: People are ill informed on the meaning of caste.It is not by birth but by deeds.

Question: How would you compare the Indian caste system to slavery? Also, can someone from the lower caste move up?

Answer: To move up in the Caste you have to work hard in the caste you are currently in ,and in the next life (when you die) you are reincarnated in the next caste up. it may take several generations to do this. The castes were Brahmins(Highest) Chetris Basya Sudra Poriahs(Lowest of the Low) It was like slavery because you worked your whole life away and gort no respect for it,depending on your caste. Now it is very outdated and ld,and only very old dedicated people follow it. (like segregation and racisim in the US)

Question: What is the difference between the caste system and the varma system? What is the difference between the caste system and the varma system?

Answer: i dont know

Question: How did the hindu caste system originate? i have finals on monday and i left my book at school!!!!!!!!!!!!! please help. i know all the 4 castes plus untouchables so i dont need very many details... just how the caste system originated. thanks soooo much

Answer: According to Hindu mythology, there were originally four major castes based on the body parts of Purusha, mankind’s original father-figure. The hymns of the Rig-Veda state: “When they divided Purusha how many portions did they make? What do they call his mouth, his arms? What do they call his thighs and feet? The Brahman [the highest caste] was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rajanya made. His thighs became the Vaisya, from his feet the Sudra was produced.” Thus, the priestly Brahmans, the highest caste, were supposed to have originated from Purusha’s mouth, his highest part. The governing, or warrior, class (Kshatriya or Rajanya) came from his arms. The merchant and farmer class, called the Vaisya, or Vaishya, originated from his thighs. A lower caste, the Sudra, or Shudra, or laborer class, resulted from the lowest part of the body, his feet. Over the centuries even lower castes came into existence, the outcastes and the Untouchables, or as Mahatma Gandhi called them more kindly, the Harijans, or “persons belonging to the god Vishnu.” Although untouchability has been illegal in India since 1948, the Untouchables still have a very hard existence. In the course of time, the castes multiplied to match just about every profession and artisanship in Indian society. This ancient caste system, which keeps everyone in his or her social place, is in reality also racial and “includes distinct racial types varying from what is known as the [light-skinned] Aryan to the [darker-skinned] pre-Dravidian stocks.” Varna, or caste, means “color.” “The first three castes were Aryans, the fairest people; the fourth caste, that comprising the dark-skinned aborigines, was non-Aryan.” (Myths and Legends Series—India, by Donald A. Mackenzie) It is a fact of India’s life that the caste system, fortified by the religious teaching of Karma, has millions of people locked into perpetual poverty and injustice. Edit: Hinduism is neither a "false religion" nor does it have 30,000 gods, as "RevR" claims below. Hinduism is monotheistic, even though WASP societies incorrectly teach otherwise. The truth is that there are many forms of ONE God in Hinduism; try reading a (reliable) book or taking a college-level course some time, or at least stop spreading your ignorance, "Rev."

Question: Why do African-Americans always compare racism in America to the Indian Caste system? It's true that lighter skin is preferred in India, but it doesn't have anything to do with the caste system. The caste system existed in both Southern (dark skinned Indians) and Northern India (light skinned Indians). It didn't have anything to do with the color of their skin. So why do I always hear black people talking about how the Caste system is about color? Are they just ignorant?

Answer: I've never known an African-American to do that LoL. Lighter skin is preferred everywhere- not just in India.

Question: What is the purpose of hte indian caste system? i'm doing a project and i need to know what the purpose of the caste system was.

Answer: The purpose? Or the reason the caste system is there to begin with? The purpose is to keep people in their places within the rigid hierarchical structure that most of India still follows. To keep untouchables doing the grunt work all their lives with no chance of finding good work in their lifetimes. It is sad really, that people are "born into" a body that determines whether or not they have a chance to make something of themselves. The brahmans get educated, have money, and therefore get the good jobs like doctor, lawyer, scientist, computer expert, etc. The lower classes are born into debt and remain in debt their whole lives. The reason for that is because they do not make enough money to pay back the debt, only to survive (barely). Essentially, the lowest class the untouchables are slaves. Religiously, the caste system has to do with the belief in reincarnation. If someone performs good deeds in their life, they can be reborn into a more noble caste in their next life. Once they reincarnate as brahma (the highest caste) if they are good in that life they will go to nirvana (basically heaven to them but much different). However, if you are a bad person in this life you could end up as a sheep or cow, or even worse an insect in your next life. The idea is that every living thing has a soul, and these souls never die, they just go from vessel to vessel (body to body) in between lifetimes. Only the highest souls can ascend to nirvana and not bear the suffering of inhabiting an earthly form.

Question: Why even prominent Indian politicians have their caste tags with their names? They have come to serve the people of all sections.Then they should discard the caste tag.

Answer: It is this tag by which he wins votes. They talk about the segregation but it is they who keep us segregated. They lose out in abolishing the caste system in India. They come to serve all sections, OMG you must be joking. They help themselves first.

Question: Why India is reserve by caste and where are my Right of Equality? Article 16(2) of Constitution of India lays down that no person can be discriminated against in public employment on grounds of race, religion and caste. Why India is reserve by caste and where are my Right of Equality?

Answer: HOW CAN THE SHADE OF CAST SYSTEM VANISH WHEN THERE ARE RESERVATIONS BASED ON CASTS???

Question: How to succeed in inter caste marriage? I love a girl who is not of my caste. And caste is the major concern for my family members. But I cannot leave this girl or my family. How to go smoothly with all this?

Answer: I had the same problem...if the girl is with u and ready to wait for u, then u could do something...tell ur parents that if u marry, then u will marry that girl only...let them wait, and finally they will be agree...I get it like this...

Question: Why do westerners think that Indians accept the caste system? I am an Indian. And we think this system should be banned. We don't like to follow this caste system.

Answer: There is this image here in the west that the developing world is full of people who oppress women and their rights... People here think that the west is a "free" society when in reality, they are not even "free" to use certain words in public!! And for some reason, westerners think that they are "saving" poor, oppressed people from the developing and underdeveloped world cuz they see immigrants here from those kinda countries!! N these same Westerners haven't even left the country!!! (can u believe that!!???) The developed world also claim to be sexually liberated, but that is just a facade!! U will be surprised at how many "westerners" have just one sexual partner in their whole life and go to church every weekend!! N don't even get me started about racism in the west!! The point I am trying to make is: There are also people like me who have travelled the world and are aware of things and I think ur country is fantastic!! I was in New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mysore, Chennai, thiruvnantpuram and Goa and I can tell u this... I have never seen a country that is so diverse, so immensely beautiful and so rich in culture..... I know quite a few people from India and it seems to me that the caste system is ridiculed in the cities and is prevalent in remote villages! The problem with westerners is that they don't realize the value of an education and how it will change the way they view the world.... A majority of westerners are high school graduates FYI..... Answer my question: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoKc0yXA4eaCURey143TYqHty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100614013706AAMOzIO

Question: Is it right to give a topic “inter caste relationships” to the students of fifth class for prepare a speech on? Is it right to give a topic “inter caste relationships” to the students of fifth class for prepare a speech on the topic? I want to know opinions of all Indians please.

Answer: Presnt Indian education system is based on the design of britishers who wanted devide the Hindus the majority, on the name of Castism 1st and later on the name of religion. and they succeeded. Hinduism which is based on Varnashram Dharma accepts cast for better governance and developent of skills in the society. Verna was important only for Marriages within the same community so that inherent qualities improves. There was no un touchabilty. Untouchabilty was created by Muslims and Christians to devide hindus and convert the poors. Now teaching to 5th class student is not surperising because as per them destruction and haterd should be developed from the very begining.

Question: What is the historical picture that depicts the caste system? There is a picture i once saw and it depicted perfectly the caste system where it was a bunch of peasants holding up a middle class, holding up the king and queen and a figure of god was hovering up the king and queen. Does anyone know the picture and an image where i can find it?

Answer: This what you want? http://kiki3387.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/pyramid-kap.jpg

Question: how was the caste system and the social classes created and how religion was part of the system? During the development of Empires in India a system of social order developed with complex and strict rules which became known as the Caste System. Explain the development of the Caste System, the social classes it created, and how religion was part of the system. Also, describe the effects that the Caste System had on life in India and society there.

Answer: The caste system in India is not a new born baby..It is a system which is been followed from the time the civilization born...As it is pictured now as supression,crude, illogical, every human is same etc etc...The actual reason behind the creation of the caste is entirely different. To know it first of all you should know the ancient way of living..To say the least in the ancient india people never used to have this so called money.. they used to trade on food grains...what every they do ..they would get their share of grains...we had only 4 major castes in india..they were bhramins kshatriyas, vaishyas ans shudraas...these 4 are the actual caste systems what we had in the beginning ..all the others ones are later originated and misleading ones..... What a Bhramin does is...,,,he is the scholar in the society..he takes care in spiritual teachings, education to the people( vidya pundit), mentor to others, priests and all the things which have complex knowledge....so this is the work of bhramins..they are very learned people....... What a Kshatriya does is....He is the protector of the society ,,his job is to train himself for the war ...if any one attacks the kingdom they saves everyone from the attacker... What a Vaishya does is...He is the merchant..he used to import or export the things...what is called bussiness..he used to trade between the kingdoms...one kingdom have some resources in plenty..and other have another resource in plenty..they trade between the kingdoms and fullfill their needs... What a shudra does is...He do works..such as cleaning , footwear sewing..hair cutting ,drain cleaning, etc... For every work they used to get their grain bags...that is their food source...So every one was happy with their own work and their food supply... EVERYONE RESPECTS THEIR JOB AND THEIR IS NO COMPETITIONS IN ANY WORK...SO EVERYONE WAS PEACEFUL.....AND THERE WAS DIGNITY OF LABOR IN IT......IN THE BEGINING PEOPLE HAD OPTIONS TO CHOOSE WHAT KIND OF WORK THEY WANTED TO DO.... PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING GOOD KNOWLEDGE CHOOSED TO BE BHRAMINS...PEOPLE WHO HAVE GOOD MUSCLE POWERS..THEY CHOOSED TO BE KSHATRIYAS...PEOPLE WHO WERE GOOD AT BUSSINESS THEY CHOOSED TO BE VAISHYAS AND PEOPLE WHO ARE SOMEWHAT LESS GOOD AT ANY WORK CHOOSED TO BE SHUDRAS... In the begining everything was peacefull..and every one had enormous respect towards everyone A BHRAMIN HAD ENORMOUS RESPECT TO A SHUDRA ..VICE VERSA...ETC......but from the time this money came into existance replacing the food grains....the problem started..people started dominating each other unequality and dominance started in the society ...and the eternal struggle of caste systems started...