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Do you guys know anything about the caste system in India?? Most people think that the caste system is an antiquated system that has been abolished a long time ago, but let me tell you, that's a false notion. The caste system is still very much alive, and present, and you need to be aware of this fact. Awareness is power.
My family is from a very low caste in India. There are four basic levels to the caste system, and everyone is born into a certain caste. According to Wikipedia, the four classes were the Brahmins (priestly people), the Kshatriyas (also called Rajanyas, who were rulers, administrators and warriors), the Vaishyas (artisans, merchants, tradesmen and farmers), and Shudras (labouring classes).
The rest of the people who don't fall into of the above structures, are labeled the untouchables, and the scheduled castes and tribes. That's where my family is from.
Basically, we are like gypsies, or the indigenous tribes, who have no papers, and who are unable to own anything, or be anyone in the eyes of the government or society. Not only was my family really poor when they were young, but they were also treated like shit. Literally like shit.
The untouchables are called untouchables, because they are considered dirty - they usually worked in dirty jobs, like cleaning sewage systems, working with leather, or cleaning toilets. Because of that dirty nature of their job, they themselves are dirty, and IMPURE. Due to their impurity, they aren't allowed to visit or be in many places in India. Certain temples, certain parts of the village or town, and so much more.
They sit at separate tables if they are in school. They drink at separate wells, if they are in the village. They shop at separate stores.
In addition, they are definitely not allowed into the homes of the highest caste people. If they inadvertently touch something of the higher caste person's, then that item has either to be thrown out, or scrubbed clean until the cows come home.
In order to improve the status of such lower caste people, there have been spots that have been allocated in the universities, and governments. But it's still a long way away from being equal yet.
There are still numerous cases in India, where Dalits (untouchables) were thrown into fire, or were murdered, because they were dirty and of a lower caste. There are discrimination cases against the Dalits on a daily basis in India, if not hourly.
The sad thing is that even though my family is now living in Canada, and we are well-off, when we go back to India, we are still untouchables. We are still of a lower caste, no matter how much we achieve or whom we become. We can never leave this caste behind. No matter what happens with me, I'll still be from that caste, as will my children, and my children's children.
The caste system haunts the lower caste people, and strangles them into a system that doesn't care for them.
I wanted to share my story so that you would realize that the caste system does still exist and it is very predominant in India, no matter where you go. I still have friends of mine who are from a higher caste, who make fun of untouchables, without knowing that I am of that caste. I am tall, and rich, so everyone assumes, I am from a higher caste.
I always have to correct them, because I want people to know that the caste system is bullshit - it doesn't really matter. I'm awesome, even though I'm from a low caste in India, and I'll forever be awesome no matter which caste I came from.
I hope you found this useful. You are welcome to ask me any questions you might have at all. Love to you all!
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste_system_in_India
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Yeah such system exists, but not at the same extent that existed earlier.
Now you have reservation, you have the power to achieve anything and everything you want. Infact the people from your castes are at the top position.lets take an example President of India
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Absolutely agreed! Thanks for the comment.
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By the way thanks to you for writing such a good post.
I think you are socially active and write on socio political niches. I have few plans regarding that. Just stay in touch.
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Thanks! We will definitely stay in touch. :) Cheers!
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We have noticed the system with friends in Texas and New York who were from India. I've noticed words similar to clan/ tribe used vs caste, especially when they refer to themselves.
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Interesting!! I have never heard those terms used to describe this. Could you elaborate?
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When they discussed where they were from, they often explained things about their family history. One example I can recall was a man who described his heritage as being born into a "tribe" of warriors. This particular person was often in the company of Native American Indians, so tribe would have been an easy transitional word for the concept of caste.
Wedding discussions were always interesting. My husband never tires of making the men discuss the idea of the parents choosing the potential brides, etc.
There was one girl who opened up to me about the "ridiculous ideas" men's parents can have regarding ways to keep their son living under their roof. She was much relieved that her parents were letting her have the final say.
The one underlying thread was this: "Right person from the right family, approved by the families." And it's rather clear that "right" definitely starts with the "right" social strata. And the approval process often went far beyond the parents. This is a "family clan" type decision.
Hope that helps.
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So interesting!! Thanks for sharing. I love hearing how other people chat about status. It's such a fascinating subject.
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Yes unfortunately it still exists and will continue to do so because people mindset is deeply embedded with various religious thing from anceint time,that will make feel them superior over the other human beings, now why would anyone discard beliefs that will make them feel superior from the birth, right ?
Even whenever i meet or go to a friends house. First question would be what is your surname ? and i intentionally wont answer ,avoid and keep them puzzled. Just to piss them off :P
People from low caste are immune to discrimination, only if they're powerful n rich and if they're poor then would have to face lots of it.
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Yeah, people always want to know my last name as well. :) Ha!
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