Explain the Recent Changes in the Caste System in Our Country

Caste system has been prevalent in our society since the advent of Aryans. Initially it got patronage and was fluid but as the time picked up it became concrete and ultimately devoured the whole society.

The course leading to origin and the development of caste system can be conveniently analyzed under following heads:

1. The Vedic Period: Caste system was fluid state in this period because of the stratification of the society on the basis of varnas. The latter did not accept birth as the criteria for the classification and occupation were the main basis of social differentiation. Therefore, change from one varna to another was not possible. Restrictions regarding marriage, food and drink were almost non-existent. In fact there was not stratification of high or low groups in society. In Rig-Veda mention has been made about the three classes of society. They are named as Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya. The texts do not make any reference to the castes being classified on the basis of birth.
2. Post Vedic Period: Texts of this period suggest the classification of society into four varnas. There is a reference about a group belonging to our caste class. During this period the old distinction between Arya and Das appears to be modified into Dwija and shudras. Gradually, the varnas became closed groups and a clear hierarchy evolved between various varnas with Brahmins at the top and Shudra at the bottom. This period also witnessed the establishing of the theory of supremacy of action over birth. This period also witnessed the establishing of the theory of supremacy of action over birth. This concept of action (Karma) was supported by Buddhism and Jainism, both. But after the downfall of Buddhism as a state power, Brahmins tried to re-establish their social supremacy by forming strict rules regarding caste structure and by making the caste as a watertight closed group. This period also witnessed the prohibition of inner castes marriages, and appearance of the practice of untouchability.
3. Poranic Period: This period put the Brahmins at the helm of affairs. It became the principal duty of other castes to serve them. Division of occupations also became very strict. Restrictions upon inter caste marriages became more rigid. Social status of Shudra sank to its lowest depth and they were regarded as sub-human. This period brought the feeling of contempt and hatred in the caste system.
4. Mediaeval Era: This period began with the invasion of Muslim and their subsequent dominance. History reveals that ‘Muslim rulers tried to convert Hindus into Muslims and imposed taxes upon those who refused to accept Islam. It produced two kinds of effects upon Hindu society. Rules and restrictions of Brahmin caste became more rigid on the other hand few thinkers amongst the Hindus, raised their protests against the restrictions of social intercourse, untouchability and other social barriers. Saints like Kabir, Nanak and Taka Ram openly attacked the caste structure. In their attempt to hit back, the Brahmins devised the system of Sati, Purdah and child marriage.
5. Modern Period and Present Changes: The effect of Westernization has weakened the cast system. In fact, this process introduced attack on castism from various angles. Arrival of Britishers brought new directions to this process. The British Government tried to remove some ugly customs by force of law. Thus in the year 1829 Sati Disabilities Removal Act, 1850. Efforts were also made to liberate Shudras from their social sufferings. In 1856, widow marriage were legalized by the Hindu widow Remarriage Act, 1856. To prohibit child marriages, an Act was passed on the year 1860. The Child Marriage Restrain Act, 1860. Inter castes marriages were legalized by the Special Marriage Act, 1872. In the year 1955, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 was passed by which various marriage restrictions were removed. Now the practice of bigamy by a Hindu is illegal and punishable under Indian Penal Code. In the post-independence period, the constitution has abolished the practice of untouchability and has made its practice an offence punishable under Indian Penal Code. All citizens are equal before law irrespective of caste or creed. Getting strength form modern education and the processes of industrialization, and urbanization, these factors have led to the weakening of the caste system.