India's destiny not caste in stone
André Béteille
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THE HINDU
Outside politics, there are other areas of life in which caste consciousness
has been dying down.
Those who try to keep up with discussions on current affairs in the newspapers
and on television may be forgiven if they conclude that caste is India's
destiny. If there is one thing the experts in the media who comment on
political matters have in common, it is their preoccupation with caste and the
part it plays in electoral politics.
Many are now coming to believe that, despite the undeniable demographic,
technological and economic changes taking place in the country, the division
into castes and communities remains the ineluctable and ineradicable feature of
Indian society. They also believe that to ignore those divisions or to draw
attention to other divisions such as those of income, education and occupation
is to turn our backs on the ground reality. The more radical among them add
that ignoring those realities amounts to an evasion of the political
responsibility of redistributing the benefits and burdens of society in a more
just and equitable manner.
Does nothing change in India? A great many things have in fact changed in the
last 60 years both in our political perceptions and in the social reality. The
leaders of the nationalist movement who successfully fought for India's freedom
from colonial rule believed that India may have been a society of castes and
communities in the past but would become a nation of citizens with the adoption
of a new republican constitution. They were too optimistic. The Constitution
did create rights for the citizen, but it did not eradicate caste from the
hearts and minds of the citizens it created. For many Indians, and perhaps the
majority, the habits of the heart are still the habits of a hierarchical
society.
Inter-dining rules
Universal adult franchise opened up new possibilities for mobilising electoral
support on the basis of caste and thus prevented the consciousness of caste
from dying down. Democracy was expected to efface the distinctions of caste,
but its consequences have been very different from what was expected. Politics
is no doubt an important part of a nation's life in a democracy, but it is not
the only part of it. There are other areas of life in which the consciousness
of caste has been dying down, though not very rapidly or dramatically. The
trends of change which I will now examine do not catch the attention of the
media because they happen over long stretches of time, in slow motion as it
were. They are not noticeable from month to month or even year to year but
across two or more generations.
Let us start with the ritual opposition of purity and pollution which was a
cornerstone of the hierarchical structure of caste. The rules of purity and
pollution served to mark the distinctions and gradations among castes and
sub-castes. Characteristic among them were those relating to commensality or
inter-dining. They determined who could sit together at a meal with whom, and
who could accept food and water from whom. Only castes of equivalent rank could
inter-dine with each other. In general people accepted cooked food and water
from the hands of their superiors, but not their inferiors.
The ritual rules governing food transactions were rigid and elaborate until a
hundred years ago. Nobody can deny that there has been a steady erosion of
those rules. Modern conditions of life and work have rendered many of them
obsolete. The excesses of the rules of purity and pollution have now come to be
treated with ridicule and mockery among educated people in metropolitan cities
like Kolkata and Delhi. It is impossible to maintain such rules in a college
canteen or an office lunch room. To insist on seating people according to their
caste on a public occasion would cause a scandal today.
In the past, restrictions on inter-dining were closely related to restrictions
on marriage according to the rules of caste. The restrictions on marriage have
not disappeared, but they have eased to some extent. Among Hindus, the law
imposed restrictions on inter-caste marriage. The law has changed, but the
custom of marrying within the caste is still widely observed. However, what is
happening is that other considerations such as those of education and income
are also kept in mind in arranging a match. At any rate, it will be difficult
to argue that caste consciousness in matrimonial matters has been on the rise
in recent decades.
In politics, the media
There continues to be a general association between caste and occupation to the
extent that the lowest castes are largely concentrated in the menial and
low-paying jobs whereas the higher castes tend to be in the best-paid and most
esteemed ones. But the association between caste and occupation is now more
flexible than it was in the traditional economy of land and grain. Rapid
economic growth and the expansion of the middle class are accompanied by new
opportunities for individual mobility which further loosens the association
between caste and occupation.
If, in spite of all this, caste is maintaining or even strengthening its hold
over the public consciousness, there has to be a reason for it. That reason is
to be found in the domain of organised politics. Caste had entered the
political arena even before independence, particularly in peninsular India. But
the adoption of universal adult franchise after independence altered the
character and scope of the involvement of caste in the political process.
The consciousness of caste is brought to the fore at the time of elections.
Elections to the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas are now held all the year
round. For logistical and other reasons, elections to even the Vidhan Sabhas
may be stretched out over several weeks. There are by-elections in addition to
the general elections. Election campaigns have become increasingly spectacular
and increasingly costly, and they often create the atmosphere of a carnival.
The mobilisation of electoral support on the basis of caste is a complex
phenomenon whose outcome gives scope for endless speculation.
Even though for the country as a whole the election season never really comes
to an end, the individual voter participates in the electoral process only
occasionally and sporadically. The average villager devotes far more thought
and time to home, work and worship than to electoral matters. It is well known
that the voter turnout among urban professional Indians is low. But even when
they do not participate in the elections to the extent of visiting their local
polling booths, they participate in them vicariously by following on television
what happens in the outside world. Television provides a large dose of
entertainment along with a modicum of political education.
Private television channels have created a whole world in which their anchors
and the experts who are regularly at their disposal vie with each other to
bring out the significance of the “caste factor,” meaning the rivalries and
alliances among castes, sub-castes and groups of castes by commentators who,
for the most part, have little understanding of, or interest in, long-term
trends of change in the country. These discussions create the illusion that
caste is an unalterable feature of Indian society. It will be a pity if we
allow what goes on in the media to reinforce the consciousness of caste and to
persuade us that caste is India's destiny.
(The writer is Professor Emeritus of sociology, Delhi University, and National
Research Professor; the illustration is from Seventy Two Specimens of Castes in
India, General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale
University.)
[email protected]
Keywords: Yale University, India, demographic changes, technological
changes, economic changes
social issue
Comments:
In the hot summer of 1961, we were attending the NCC camp for college students
in Dharapuram, desilting the irrigation channel there. One particularly hot
afternoon, while returning to the camp, we asked a khadi topiwala on the way,
if we could get some water to drink anywhere nearby. He pointed the way to a
well some way off and added we might not like to drink from that source. We
asked why; he explained that as the well was reserved for, and, used by, only
lower castes he did not deem it proper for us to use that well!
All of us, a dozen or so, including a couple of Brahmins, laughed at this
notion of untouchability and rushed to the inviting well. Once we reached the
well, we momentarily hesitated - only because it was slightly dirty and not
exactly hygienic. Still, to prove a point, we gulped the water down. I have
lived half a century to tell the tale!
from: mohansingh
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 00:50 IST
André Béteille's observations about the dying of 'caste consciousness' are on
the mark. But much more is happening.
Increasingly over the years, in urban India, arranged marriages are giving way
to "love marriages" --- most of them inter-caste. As more women get educated,
join the workforce and become economically independent, their choices prevail
over traditional authority. Mixing of the sexes and cultures and the
replacement of the feudal value system by bourgeois ethics are at the root of
this change. Quotas to lower-castes in education and employment, rural land
reforms and the compulsions of electoral politics might have accelerated this
process. The latter, unfortunately but expectedly, have created caste-based
'vote banks', especially in less-industrialized, less-educated and poorer
districts and States. Hopefully, over the years, this too shall pass.
from: Thiru. V. Ramakrishnan
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 02:14 IST
Caste system is bound to collapse in next 50yrs. There are very strong reasons
to believe this.
Around 10000BP, domestication of plants led to agriculture based society.
Migrations, conquests and scientific temperament led to initial progress of
this society. Our Caste system has genesis in this agrarian society.
Next major era is 1800s Industrial Revolution. But for India, its recent ITC
revolution which has made most powerful impact - agro based society is on edge
of collapse. Heavy internal migrations and acceptance of modern values is
creating new society [here, as author points out education and income
consideration are on rise].
So, age of caste, religiosity, superstitions, is over paving way to human
rights, income inequalities, communism, globalisation, west-south divide
issues.
This point needs study -> soon authority of Present Gods will be questioned.
Like gatherers' Animism changed to agrarian's Hinduism, Buddhism. New era will
have its own new Gods.
from: Mahesh J
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 02:17 IST
Professor Beteille has described the obvious changes in society but does not go
deep enough. In addition to providing rights to all citizens, the framers of
the Constitution did plan to remove caste consciousness also. Two fundamental
factors prevented such plans from being implemented. The provision of limited
reservation to the lowest 20% of the population on the basis of caste alone was
meant to be terminated after 10 years. But politicians saw an opportunity to
appease even more voters on the basis of caste and expanded caste consciousness
across the length and breadth of the country. Policy gave way to pandering and
it flourishes until today. The second factor has been the utter subservience of
the judiciary to the political class. By allowing Parliment to amend the
Constitution at will,caste consciousness has seeped into the Constitution
itself. A judiciary that cannot protect its own turf can hardly be expected to
uphold justice across the country. Our founders cannot be blamed.
from: Viswanath
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 02:35 IST
The author's discussion lends support to the widely held view that politicians
keep 'caste issues' alive to serve their narrow interests. But it will be a
very slow process for that class to realize that they are laggards when it
comes to recognizing societal transformations!
from: I.C.Nito
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 02:58 IST
Where there is education there is power whether it is by money or
technology. In India from the ancient time only a hand full noble
population were engaged in getting education that's why power was in
the hand of few people which always belong to upper cast.There is
also some traces of lower caste king in the past but very few
like a drop in the ocean.If we want to reduce the disparity between
castes we will have to bring change in education system.The government
ought to open the institutions in large number which can fulfill the
desire of need because number of educational institute in India is
comparatively much less than china consequently it is creating
unemployment which leads poverty and disparity.
from: Md khaliquzzaman
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 04:12 IST
I do not understand the point of this post! Like many problems in India, the
ones related to caste are stinging the country everyday. But one must also
remember that caste system in India is unique when compared to any culture in
the world. This means, we need a solution which fits India solely. I don't
think politics is the enemy here, but comparison with another country/culture
is! No point being ashamed of the caste system, no matter how meaningless it
may seem in this so called 'globalized world'. Lets accept it and bring in our
OWN way to get around it. The questions to be asked are 1> When did caste
system start to become a problem 2> What exactly changed which caused this
problem. Now there we can find answers. Sociologists must write in those terms
and stop the blame game!
from: Bhaskar Mothali
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 06:06 IST
A welcome perspective. Taking a step back has let the full view dawn on this
reader. The author observes that organised politics (that is, political
parties) and private TV channels (media, to use the broader brush) are the
prime perpetrators of "caste" in modern India. That, is hard to deny. With
urbanisation on the march, "caste" is bound to dwindle just as marriages
arranged on caste lines (the last fortresses) dwindle.
from: Kumar
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 08:21 IST
I agree with the writer that the caste consciousness is disappearing but very
slowly. The process is very slow because the caste has been cast in the stone
for centuries . It will take time to whittle it from the stone. Of course our
political parties have no qualm in perpetuating it for their vested interests.
Had they really made sincere efforts to eradicate the casteism, , it would have
been on its leg many years ago. The casteism will definitely go away with the
spread of education and other factors.
from: Tarsem Singh
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 09:22 IST
Caste is a reality in india.even though less stringent than before,caste
identity is still relevant,especially in in semi urban and rural areas.what
constitution provides for backward castes are remedial measures so that caste
doesnt adapt itself with changing times and continue to be a reality forever.as
Rawls put it.there cant be a difference blindness,otherwise there is a great
danger of strong beoming stronger and weak becoming weaker in a society where
utilitarian concepts of rights are emphasized.caste in indian politics is both
a welcome and baneful phenomena which should be tackled with a flexible,
selfless attitude devoid of any pre conceived biases.
from: NAVJYOT SINGH
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 10:18 IST
This is a very good summary of what is actually happening in the country. The
media should take leaf from this and help the countrymen in developing the
caste less society. Author has correctly seen the indicators.
from: Shailendra Singh
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 10:20 IST
It is rightly pointed out by the author that changes in society are not visible
in a time frame of few months or couple of years and are hence not overly
analyzed. But what media people should indulge in is trying to prevent the
politicians from creating laws that bring back the concept of caste - like
caste based reservations in colleges. I firmly beleive that such a reservation
should be based on economic status rather than caste. Issues like caste based
reservations (which IF i recall correctly, The Hindu also supported in an
article in Frontline magazine) are bound to keep caste based distinctions alive
in our minds. One may argue that it is difficult to award seats based on
economic criteria as many people do not even pay proper IT. The govt. proj.
(now in some sort of a controversy) of UID by Mr. Nadan Nilkani would help in
addressing a part of this problem by 'tagging' every individual and hence
recording his / her economic status..
from: vikrant
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 10:26 IST
Matrimonial sites and internet plays a significant role in promoting caste
system as it affects our modern educated classes who have access to
internet.They do not let them forget this inhuman practice.At marriage time
parents suddenly become conscious of caste ! this consciousness is fueled by
internet and matrimonial sites. They proudly write name of caste in your
profile, privileged castes feel pride in reading brahmin/rajput but other lower
castes are branded as chamar/nai/dhobi which is derogatory. It violates their
right to dignity and equality. Similarly internet if full of caste literature,
which is lower caste, which is upper caste, what are the surnames they use,
their demographic distribution. Caste literature is equally liable to be banned
on internet as the Moaist or Naxalite literature.
from: Brijesh
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 12:03 IST
It was not caste system in India... it was like... carpenter's son will be
carpenter, teacher's son will be teacher etc..... since there were no means of
inter-sharing and even if there was.... there was always a question that if
somebody went outside his community to learn some new art then how and why will
he use it... now there is inter-sharing but this trend is still there...
politician's son will be politician.... actor's son will be actor....lawyer's
son will be lawyer (there have been exceptions) it is in middle class only that
one might see some break in this trend... the categories have changed..the
trend is still there..
from: Manya Sharma
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 12:05 IST
CASTE is the ONLY main force, driving the Indian politics, Society and culture.
It is very slow.."It would be better if there is any other word other than
slow." Many educated fellows in our country still follows it, implements it,
teaches to there next generation. The only way it is slow because of love
marriages. I think the only way people can mend, is by encouraging Love
marriages.
from: avinash
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 12:09 IST
The author seems to think that the continued relevance of caste in our
collective consciousness will cause people to "conclude that caste is India's
destiny". He seems to think that while caste consciousness is, in general, on
the retreat in society, it is only the politicians and the media who continue
to add fuel to the dying fire of caste consciousness. I disagree. Of course
progress has been made and will continue to be made as newer generations of
Indians are exposed to deas of liberalism and equality upon which our nation is
modeled, and are able to cut their ties with the noxious elements of their
cultural heritage. But the reason that caste continues to be a focus during
politics and in the media is that things haven't changed to such an extent that
we can now rest. The cities have changed in many ways, but in the rural areas,
the ossified ideas of caste and their hierarchies still remain strong. The
political parties know this and exploit it and the media reports on it.
from: Raamganesh
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 12:42 IST
I dont think, caste is fading away rather its getting more deeper.Yes,in one
aspect it has changed lot between 3 caste. Now Brhamins, Kashtriya and Baniyas
have(50%) merged but still SC/ST/OBC not accepted. I think main reason for this
is reservation. There are huge nr poor people in (no upper and lower cast plz)
Brhamins and Rajputs. So they feel isolated from the main stream, as they dont
get any social benefits from govt. So, if they would like to remove the caste
system then first thing they should remove reservation. Provide all Indians a
high quality education, so that SC/ST/OBC could also walk into the campus with
high esteem and dignity.If they dont do, we cant get rid of cast factor. Thats
the bottom reality. I mean look at our industries, universities, they dont hire
reserved category candidates, simply because of this frustration. Why govt cant
understand: Dont feed them with Fish, rather teach them how to catch the fish.
I bet you problem will be solved.
from: Dr. Ratnesh Thapliyal
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 13:57 IST
The ongoing perspectives in sociology failed to understand the system of caste
from the theoretical framework of knowledge/ power relations. It is caught up
in the binary of colonialist vis a vis nationalist and remain in the hangover
of Orientalist tendency. It constitutes the elitist posture of the question of
caste, rather than looking into the question at generic level and its
subjective dispositions. Though author attempts to project the common sense
view of caste, but it lacks analytical rigour.
from: PREM RAM M R
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 13:59 IST
Caste can disappear from the society if it is not reckoned for garnering
benefits in elections,reservations in some form or another.While politicians
try to field candidates on the basis of castes and religion and use it to the
hilt for promising the Moon under reservations,abolishing castes will be next
to impossible
from: sundar
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 13:59 IST
It is a slow process indeed. The upper castes have held society in their grip
for centuries. Rapid urbanization and democratization of the country are
helping the cause if ever so slowly. The day that mention of caste disappears
from the matrimonial ads will be the one when we'd have achieved the goal. That
may take a long while, or may never be reached entirely. In the meantime, it is
critical to ensure that we take more steps forward than backward. Social change
after all is not a linear process.
from: Vivek
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 14:08 IST
Actually it is not necessary to demolish caste to establish a democracy
representative of true majority of political views and priorities. What is
really needed is to do away with the present first-past-the-post electoral
system which only throws up the DOMINANT MINORITY as the "majority". Our
electoral system needs to be overhauled to represent a CLEAR MAJORITY, say 70%
of votes. This will force political parties to adopt wholesome manifestoes and
render appealing to sectarian interests infructuous. The State should measure
only secular parameters like economic backwardness and deliver services and
distribute resources. This is necessary and sufficient to achieve a true
secular democracy, without resorting to painful and unnecessary social
engineering, reengineering etc. Be the change you want to see is the simple
truth, electoral reforms are the need of the hour.
from: A. Ramaswamy
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 14:15 IST
The caste system is an inseperable part of the Indian culture. The caste system
has perpetuated itself from millenia and apparently the impact it would have on
the mindset of man can be gauged from this. However, i agree with the points
the author has highlighted here, there has been a drastic reduction in
inter-dining principles, slowly the inter caste marriages are increasing given
that people now are identifying class and not caste as norm for a secure
future. Like one of the comments said, we cannot truly separate the caste
system from our society but we can mend it to fit the changing times and also
put a foundation to stop atrocities unleashed on caste and communal lines by
strengthening our education, public service delivery and also promote cultural
exchanges to erase superstitious and biased beliefs that are currently harming
our society.
from: bharath
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 14:43 IST
CASTE has been a major obstruction in my life. The girl whom i loved
the most belonged from an orthodox marwadi brahmin family. We were in a
relation from past 11 years,since school times, but now i had to let
her go simply because her parents would'nt accept me (as i belonged
from a different caste). This has been the saddest part of my life. i
consider myself a failure. It is the caste that have had snatched all
my happiness in life. Moreover, it is a birth right of any human being
to choose their partner in life then why such obstacles. We sould all
be against caste system. It is also a major hindrance in economy
development.
from: shalabh deepankar
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 14:57 IST
Denial is not just a river in Egypt. Caste system is the oldest racist
system known in human civilizations. I believe such inequality might
have been adding to the hatred of many peoples. Most of the peoples in
Indian subcontinent converted to other religions in prospects of
equality.
Is this irrationality one of the reasons for the hatred of peoples in
Pakistan and Bangladesh towards Hindus in India?
I have even found many Indians denying poverty and horrific slums which
are quite visible to the naked eyes.
For India to truly become prosperous, healthy and first world country,
they will have to stop denying and eradicate many irrationality in
their society.
Unity is in India's security interest!
from: Ryan
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 15:01 IST
If caste is India's destiny what is going wrong in Indian Society. Caste
is reality of Indian society. We must plan for development on the basis
of caste, region as well as economical conditions of the civilian.
from: Shiv Das
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 15:32 IST
There exists a complete disconnect when writers comment on Indian caste
system with a eurocentric approach. Caste in India cannot be equated in
terms of a discriminatory set up but as a structure that was misused by
the politics and it continues till this date. Caste might be fading away
for a section that aims social mobility but it will surely be strengthened with
the forces of globalization and democracy in times to
come. Only then the Dalit pride will be exchanged with the quest of
Brahmanical dominance.
from: Ravi
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 15:38 IST
The author has rightly said that the caste system has undergone a great
transformation.Now,we do not have discrimination on the basis of caste for
food, job oppprtunities or any other such social taboo which was predominant in
the anicient times.But,the media alone cannot be blamed for present casteism
which is still existing in our society and has been termed as our destiny.Our
politician to a great extent are also responsible to it. In every election
which occurrs throughout the year from the local to national level, instead of
bringing the issue of development, education, health and other major issues,
our politicians are making the poor and illiterate people victim of casteism.
It is just that if our politicians are doing, media is showcasing it. The
recent incident which created a fuss between salman khurshid and EC.So, our
leaders should move above the petty benefits and take the responsisbilty for
fiasco of their state and do not bring the caste factor is the need of hour
from: Bishant Kumar
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 16:34 IST
My grandmother used to talk about caste-system while she was growing up. There
were many backwards communities in Kerala like the Paravans, Pulayans etc. They
were mostly very poor people who used to do the most menial jobs. They were not
allowed inside the houses of upper caste people. They had to cover their mouths
when they spoke to upper-caste people so as not to let them breathe their
filthy breath. At one point of time they even had to swipe away their
footprints while leaving if they enter an upper caste person’s compound. Time
has gotten rid of such archaic customs in our present day society. If you are
studying in an institution or working in a company we don’t reflect on who
might be from a lower caste and delineate them away. Still the lower caste
people are suffering and most of them still have low income jobs. The
caste-system is wearing off, but at a snail's pace. In the mean time
politicians will take maximum advantage of it for their progression.
from: Elizabeth Mathew
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 16:35 IST
Legislative provisions; policies of educational institutions/workplaces;
reservation as affirmative action would keep alive the caste consciousness
amongst the Indians. The thin veil of 'acceptance' and 'embracement' of the
urban educated youth is yet indecisive.
from: Pallavi Nayek
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 16:35 IST
Well i don't think so caste can be removed from Indian society at any
time.caste is the most important identity after sex and religion in
India.Moreover with coming up class system which is giving rise to a
class within the caste,this system itself is self perpetuating giving
rise to a hierarchic society.
Although our society is showing a some what liberal attitude towards
the same but our politics still revolves around it.One doesn't need to
quote examples for this, the present polls are itself depicting my
point where politics is not about serving the society;for its
development but is all about using the differences in the society be
it regional,religion or caste based:Aiming at so called "DALIT VOTE
BANK".
What we need to analyze today is not only our present but our future
too.We need to realize what sort of image are we going to present to
this neo-liberal and globalized world of the "Emerging Super Power-
INDIA"....
from: ANISHEK GUPTA
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 16:39 IST
as the author has mentioned all important posts are being held by upper cast
people.i would like to give some insight into this topic.i am not against
reservation for the people who are needy. govt has set the reservation for the
lower cast people and it is indirectly making them not to work or to compete or
to explore their ability . how many people from lower cast do you think are
able to get seat/appointment in general category - very few.this is not due to
their inability but they feel like they are separate and their level of
intelligence needed to clear the exam is less they work less .coming to my
point i support the people who are having the higher level of intelligence than
their fellow people to handle higher level posts weather he is from upper cast
or lower cast -it does not matter.so with respect to the prevailing reservation
system many upper cast and less lower cast people will be selected for higher
level posts there is nothing to argue in it.
from: harshini
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 16:58 IST
Caste Consciousness is slowly but steadily getting removed from this country as
the country takes strides in its economic development. Media, politics
(especially regional) has had an adverse effect. One more thing that can be
noted is reservation to certain weaker sections may have helped them in rising
economically; it hasn’t helped them in getting rid of their class
consciousness. If you belong to that community you need to take a certificate
to prove you being a part of the weaker section. I don’t think this helps them
in forgetting their oppressed past and in gaining self confidence
from: Rahman
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 17:30 IST
I think the solution is simple and it is with having an open country.
Democracy is a western concept and so is liberty. Adopting these, and
closing doors to everything else for everything else foreign is the
main reason why we live such hypocritical lives. It's hard to deny
that american media and american businesses which we work in or work
with have influenced us to think outside hierarchical mindset the
older generation still has.
Caste based arranged marriages are still prevalent and that is because
the parents are still part of that previous generation. The next
generation I believe will be much more open.
If India doesn't want to wait for change for so long, then it must
open up the country. Allow more FDI, build infrastructure, be open to
different opinions and let people choose.
If we only could ensure liberty!
from: Hari
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 18:01 IST
Caste in India, like religion in this world is in the minds of people. So long
people do not kill each other,it is not a problem. As such slowly all upper
castes are leaving the sub caste divisions where as the 80% lower caste indians
are becoming more conscious even for marriages. Educated indians including
OBC´s, are leaving for oppurtunities outside India! India´s main problem is not
caste or religon or political parties, but our book cramming education. We need
to instill in authorites the need for providing innovative education with
massive funding to generate new technology, to attend the needs of the growing
population in dwindling resource environment. That is the only way we can say
India is an independent nation.
from: Jayanthi
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 19:04 IST
Caste is NOT a problem.. associated discrimination is. Caste as a
social group is, in no way, worse than Religion (another social
group). If xyz feels proud of being born into a particular caste,
nothing wrong in it. In one way or other, we all feel proud of being
part of certain groups (e.g. Religion, region, language, culture,
etc.). If wearing religion (Hindu with Tilak on forehead, or Muslim
with cap or Christian with cross) on your sleeve is accepted as
'normal' in our country, caste should not be treated as any different.
Many intellectuals frown upon people who overtly display their castes
but see nothing wrong in religious symbols. This I believe is
hypocrisy.
from: Sunil
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 19:19 IST
The caste system is one of the greatest social evils plaguing our
country today. It is acting as a powerful social and political divisive
force in our country at a time when it is absolutely essential for us to
be united if we wish to face our nation’s challenges. It is a curse on
our country which must be speedily eradicated if we wish to
progress.Education is the ultimate way to eradicate it properly.If we
want to reduce the disparity between
castes we will have to bring change in education system.
from: Rukhsana
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 19:43 IST
Millennia ago, yes 'millennia', the caste system was instituted as a mechanism
for formal, economic stratification of society. Of course the caste system, as
we know it, will disappear as education and living standards rise. It will be
replaced by a class system, based on pecuniary considerations, as is apparent
in the West. The stratification of society, formal or not, on economic lines is
an ineluctable facet of human life. Democracy cannot change that. Our founding
fathers, I am certain, were not sufficiently naive to believe that the caste
system in India, something allowed to reify over millennia, would magically
disappear in a mere 65 years. However, as pointed out by the author, there is
plenty of evidence to demonstrate that the caste system is in slow, but
terminal, decline in modern India. Let us accelerate this process as much as we
can. Jai Hind!
from: Samir Mody
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 20:06 IST
it is very difficult to accept that the caste consciousness in matrimonial
matters has been on the fall in recent decades. the author might have not done
some sociological study of all matrimonial websites promoted by modern
technology. even today, majority of youths in india prefer to mention about
caste in their matrimonial profile. there is no as such sociological study that
reveals the considerations of only education and income in alliance. even if
there are such alliances, they are very few. just with some examples it is
difficult to generalise the fact that caste rules have eased to some extent.
from: prakash desai
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 20:15 IST
There are a lot of improvements in the caste system in cities. But caste is a
dominant consideration where to live, marriage, hiring, jobs and even
friendship in rural areas and villages. Lack of education and poverty are the
main reasons for continuation of the caste system in the rural areas. After
more than six decades of independence, India has not achieved the vision of the
founding father, Mahatma Gandhi. The caste, ethnicity, religion and gender
considerations are encouraged by politicians, religious authorities and even
government. Reservations in education, jobs, hiring, benefits and elections,
strangulate merit system, equal opportunities, excellence, scholarships based
on merit and scholarhips based on poverty level. Politicians construct their
own fences around particular caste, religion or gender to perpetuate their
power and constituency. There is no room for any kind of reservations in a
modern secular democracy in the twenty-first century.
from: Davis K. Thanjan
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 20:35 IST
Author has clearly spelt our problems, neigther media or polictis can control
or contaminate our caste system. It's people's perpeception on caste and it
plays vital role. Even if efface the caste system, there are other issues like
have's & have nots, rich Vs poor, literat Vs illiterate, and digital divides
will be there. We need to mould our society with our any divides. Our colonist
well planted it in our minds and we need to uproot slowly. I hope we will come
good in future.
from: Thamim
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 21:59 IST
The author apparently suggests that the caste distinctions are on the
decline. The examples cited, like growing acceptance to inter-dining
culture and the inter-caste marriages are applicable to the
enlightened and educated community, a small percentage concentrated in
larger cities. The majority rural is still ridden with caste
distinctions. Despite guarantees under Constitution, caste related
abuses in different forms are practiced with impunity. Honor killings
are fully supported by the village. This mind set appears to be
genetically ingrained over centuries; it requires reprogramming. The
reasons for progress in the urban population are higher education and
the opportunities to interact and economically prosper; such
interactions also facilitate evening out of cultural differences to
evolve in to a conducive and enlightened common culture. It would
require honest dedicated politicians in each of the constituencies to
provide such a miracle; the possibility is a veritable mirage.
from: M.R.Sampath
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 22:03 IST
caste rules is traditional concept. In modern era of Globalization,
liberalization and Privatization education and awareness has shorten
the territory of caste dominance. With time, it is sure that rigid
caste system will not be even in rural areas. As this is social change
which will take place at slower pace. It is impossible to change a
system prevalent from thousands of years. Political parties and Media
will also change as per demand from society. When society become caste
free then politics and media has to shift for real issues. So we need
INDIVIDUAL CHANGE i.e. change in thought process and only EDUCATION
can do this. So education to all and Quality Education are need of
time to put seeds of moral rightness, humanity and thinking beyond
caste boundaries.
from: Rajesh Kuamr
Posted on: Feb 21, 2012 at 22:09 IST
This caste system is deep rooted in Indian history. The heroes of
Indian mythology had been supporting the caste discrimination. As in
Mahabharata Karna who was mistaken to be a shudra was the victim of
discrimination by the positive characters of the story. Rather who
supported (Duryodhan) turned out to be the villain latter.
As the author pointed out the consciousness of caste system had
started dying but not in all aspects of life. When it comes to
politics politicians fear of losing a vote bank. What ever we say, I
have seen many people giving a lot of lecture on caste system but when
it comes to marriage of their son or daughter, suddenly they start
thinking of society.
We are not yet mature enough to think in an unbiased way to this caste
system. It will take time.
from: Bikash rath
Posted on: Feb 22, 2012 at 01:05 IST
Today, when as few of us here talk about caste prevailing only in rural India
and things change as the people get more and more educated , I being from
Andhra Pradesh I totally see a contrasting scenario. People who are more
educated and have more degrees under there belt infact have the so called
"Caste Feeling" than any other person in the rural village. And it is at its
peak in USA. People in USA send millions of bucks down there in India for there
respective caste Parties and see that there Party wins in the elections. I feel
it is not about upper castes showing the so called "caste feeling" to that they
are superior. The problem is even with the lower caste who tend to believe that
things can be only done by some upper castes and they are the superior. I
basically feel we have a History lesson on caste system in India and show why
one is OC, one is BC and other SC.. and I feel the lessons shall basically be
totally concentrating on the system being divided based on financial.
from: Arun
Posted on: Feb 22, 2012 at 03:05 IST
Caste is not the destiny, but who can deny its continued importance. The only
reason it continues to have the hold that it has, is because of the utter
failure of Indian education system at all levels. Institutions have failed to
teach individuals to questions the world around them. That has happened because
it is very rare to find a truly humble Indian teacher in India: Humility gained
while pursuing knowledge rather than pseudo-humility of pretending to be
humble. Our venerable prof. when chance came to him to improve the system chose
to resign because of the fear of loosing his personal identity rather working
through the system to improve it.
from: Buddhu
Posted on: Feb 22, 2012 at 05:23 IST
I was just reading another article on 2 IIMI students caught for doing
drugs whose names were mentioned. Some readers had commented
immediately on them being reserved candidates and this is what happens
with those who should never have been let into IIMs.
As if certain categories of human beings are inferior to others.
Some readers here comment that castes in itself are good while
discrimination is bad. But how can such a system be good when it
clearly says some groups of people are better than others by birth?
What use is a system when division of labor (it's main purpose) is now
being done differently?
If you want to be a part of a group be something you earned and not
what you were born into.
from: Rahul
Posted on: Feb 22, 2012 at 16:10 IST
Caste is an integral part of the Indian Body Politic.Indeed, caste is embedded
in the biological structure of India, a consequence of carefully arranged
marriages between families and unlike disparate tribes that do not
intermarry,castes are pervasive socially ranked, and while there are hard to
resolve questions of closely ranked castes, everyone knows quite well the
general order.This ranking is promoted by and an integral part of the dominant
age old belief system of India. Discarding belief systems, deeply held
attitudes about ones innate social ranking and methods of the making of
families and their human successors are not undertakings that can be
accomplished in one or even ten generations. They can be changed and are
changing and are always changing, but to turn them inside out and upside down
so they disappear requires revolutions whose ends do not justify the means and
which require a vast disruption in what has been a millenium old stable system
of total inequality.
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