Merits of Caste System

Caste system has been termed as fountain head of social evil in our society. Despite the criticism, it still continues in the Indian society and many favor it. Its advocates point out certain merits whereas its critics cite many demerits. These are being pointedly discussed below:

Merits of Caste System

1. Fixed Social Environment: It has been emphasized that caste system provides a fixed social environment to each individual. In the words of Hutton, “He is provided in this way with a permanent body of association which controls almost all his behavior and contacts. His caste channelizes his choice in marriage acts as his trade union, his friendly or beneficent society, his state club, and his orphanage, it take the place for him of health, insurance, and if need be provided for his funeral.”
2. Sense of Co-operation: Caste system promotes the spirit of co-operation and fellow feeling among members of the same caste.
3. Defines Occupation: Caste system tells the economic pursuit of the individual. There is an occupation pertaining to every caste so that the child’s future is not only carved out already but also a proper place of apprenticeship is provided. Ancient India was a land provided with generations of craftsmen and soil cultivators who were extremely skillful in their vocation. In one way it helped in the specialization of skill.
4. Racial Purity: The supporters of caste system emphatically state that this system has held in preserving racial purity of the higher castes by forbidding indiscriminate inter-caste marriage, and has greatly fostered the habits of cleanliness by insisting on ritual purity.
5. Impresses upon the Intellectual Make-up: Caste system has been able to influence the intellectual make-up of an individual. Since the caste dictates to each member customs to be observed in the manner of diet, the observance of ceremonies and whether he many marry a widow, his view on the social and political matters and bound to be influenced by his caste customs.
6. Integration of the Country: The advocates of this system argue that caste system, ‘develops class consciousness without breeding class struggle. It has created an efficient organization of Hindu society without giving any chance to class frictions and factions. It has the best device to organize with one society, people of different castes with different cultural levels. It prevented the country from splitting up into warring racial units. It is argued that the ‘caste system has integrated Indian society into one caste and variegated community and provided the county with a sure basis of security and continuity whereby a stable and orderly organization of society could be possible.
7. Defines Functions: The caste system, it is stated, provides for the various functions necessary to social life- “Functions ranging from education to scavenging, from government to domestic service of the most menial kind, and it makes this provision under the sanction of a religious dogma, the belief in Karma, which renders the superficiality inequitable distribution of functions, acceptable as being part of the divine order of the universe.”
8. Cultural Diffusion: One of the merits of caste system has been its ability to promote the cultural diffusion within the group. The caste customs, beliefs, skill, behavior, the trade secrets are passed on from generation to generation.
9. Segmentation of social Life from Political Life: It is said that caste system has been able to maintain its own religious system by providing the worship of the caste Gods and Goddesses. It has made the social life independent from the political influence. S.C.Hill says, “His intimate life, the life which to the Hindu really matters is altogether independent of the political conditions, which happen to prevail.”

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.

Conditions Unfavorable to Caste

The following elements have acted to weaken the caste system in our country:

1. Spread of Education: Modern education has dealt a heavy blow to the caste system. It has shattered the religious myths. ‘A major part in weakening the caste system is placed by the existing education. Modern education is negative as regards religion. It emphasizes democratic values such as liberty, equality and fraternity. Modern education bears the stamp of the scientific and independent thinking in the West. It has laid great stress upon the importance of man. Thus the progress of modern education is demolishing proportionately the ties of caste, etc. education has encouraged inter caste social interactions. The practice of untouchability has been abolished and even made an offence under the Indian Penal Code. Socially, the new generation believes less in the practice of untouchability. 
2. Process of Industrialization: Rapid industrialization has introduced many changes in the erstwhile static society. It has reduced the intensity of caste fervor because persons from all castes sought and obtained employment in factories. A. W. Green believe that, “although the Brahmin has to take a prolonged religious bath in order to purify himself against the defilement caused by the mere shadow of Shudra, yet it is not possible to avoid the shadow of Shudras in the crowded lanes of city and busy offices. As a result of industrialization individuals of all castes came into mutual contact into factories, hotels, markets, trains, trams and buses etc.” This has helped in undermining the intense feeling of casteism in our society.
3. Wealth as Symbol of Prestige: Now caste no more signifies one’s social prestige. Its place has been taken over by wealth. A person adopts an occupation not because of his caste but because it appears more beneficiary to him. ‘The consideration in the choice of a profession is no longer caste but individual capability and the facility in earning wealth. These days, a wealthy Shudra is more respected than a poor Brahmin’.
4. Social Reform Movements: The movements aiming to secure social emancipation have also struck at the vary root of caste system.
5. Means of Communication: Means of communication have introduced rapidity in social interactions and have brought down the fence that had caused isolation of villagers. ‘It became difficult to maintain the rigidity of caste in the whirlwind of communication set into motion by industrialization through such means as buses, trains, trams, cars, etc.
6. Political Factors: There has been continuous agitation by various groups to end discrimination and exploitation. This was the aim of the national agitation for independence. ‘The objective of this national movement was the establishment of a democratic pattern of society in India. For this reason it made efforts to weaken the caste consciousness in the people.’ The political factors, along with other factors have weakened the caste system.
7. New social Classes: Industrialization has led to the appearance of new social classes in the society. ‘These social classes are replacing the caste. The organization of castes was vertical that of classes in horizontal. The feeling of class-consciousness is so strong that it has led to the weakening of caste consciousness or the feelings of casteism.
8. Constitutional Provisions: The constitution of India in Article 15(2) of the constitution of India declared ‘all citizens equal.’ The fortress of the caste system collapsed when foreign rule came to an end. According to the Untouchability Crime Act of 1955 it is a crime to prevent anyone from using a public place. Despite these steps, the caste system has not died away. It is still being aroused by the vested interests particularly out political leaders. In the shadow of political life, the feeling of casteism is sensed as stronger than earlier.

Demerits of Caste System

1. Obstructs Mobility to Labor: It has obstructed mobility of labor since under it the individual must follow the caste occupation and he cannot change it according to his likes or dislikes. This leads to complete immobility of labor.
2. Practice of Untouchability: Caste system has led to the evil practice of untouchability. According to Mahatma Gandhi it is, “the hateful expression of caste.” Large sections of people are reduced to the virtual slavery because of this practice.
3. Solidarity Hampered: Instead of promoting solidarity, caste system has led to the decay of solidarity and brotherhood in the Hindu society by rigidly separating one class from another and denying and type of social intercourse between them.
4. Undermines Merits in Occupation: Under caste system, it often result in putting man in wrong occupation. There is no guarantee that a priest’s son would also like to be a priest or would possess the qualities for a successful priest. The caste system does not permit a person to take up any other profession even though he may possess the skill and liking for that. Thus this system put stumbling blocks in the way of merit.
5. Hamper National Unity: Caste system is an obstacle to the growth of national unity in the country. The lower classes feel discontented at the behavior meted out to them in society. As G.S.Ghurye states, “It is spirit of caste patriotism which engenders opposition to other castes and creates an unhealthy atmosphere for the growth of national consciousness.”
6. Retards Social Progress: Caste system is the greatest obstacle in the way of social progress and economic development of the county. Since the people believe in the theory of Karma, they become conservation and because their economic position is fixed, they are led to inertia killing their initiative and enterprise. It does not take care of one’s ability and potential.
7. Undemocratic: It inculcates the feeling of superiority among the upper caste and thus seeks to undermine the process of democracy because it denies equal rights to all, irrespective of tier caste, creed or color. Social barriers are created in the way of people specially lower class individuals who are not given freedom in their mental and physical development and are not provided with opportunities for that. It is one this account that modern democracies have discouraged that caste division of society. Democracy is not only inconsistent with the caste division of society but is also opposed to it.

What should one say in conclusion of above discussion? Obviously, the conclusive fact is that caste system is more harmful that being beneficial. As James Bryce says, ‘Social structure is an important factor. Where men are divided by language, or by religion, or caste distinctions grouped on race or on occupation, there are grounds for mutual distrust and animosity which make it hard for them to act together or for each section to recognize equal rights in the other. Homogeneity, though it may not avert class wars helps each class of the community to understand the mind of others, and creates a general opinion in nation.”

Conditions Favoring the Caste System

These are being explained below:

1. Geographical Conditions: Geographical isolation has played a significant role in rendering our society static and powerless. In the absence ‘of adequate means of transport leads to the geographical isolation, from other, from people who inhabit distantly situated area and this fosters old customs, mores, traditions and superstition, all of which encourage the caste system.
2. Static Society: Hindu society is not a dynamic society. There has always been absence of a stupendous variation ‘in its political situations and economic conditions. Its social mores, customs and traditions have failed to change over the ages as times have marched along. But this does not mean that Hindu society have failed to change over the ages as times have marched along. But this does not mean that Hindu society has never changed. When we say that it is static or motionless, we wish to indicate ‘the extremely slow rate at which variations and modifications are instituted in it. The static nature of society gave strength to the existence of cast system in our country.
3. Foreign Invasions: Foreign aggression were also responsible for strengthening the continued existence of the caste system in India. It is commonly believed ‘that the caste system began in India when the Aryans invaded the country. They were fair skinned and victorious and natives of India were black. The victorious race considered itself superior to the victimized race and considered it below its dignity to associate itself and marry into letter. In this way, strict laws regarding conduct, diet, marriage, etc. were formulated. Slowly and gradually these became fundamental ingredients of caste system.
4. Rural social Structure: In our country, historically speaking the social structure of the rural sector has remained unchanged. ‘Ancient traditions are better respected in it. As the rural structure weakens, or in other words as urbanization in the country increases, the caste also becomes progressively weaker.
5. Religious Factors: Religion and religious practices have been the predominant factor in the condition of caste system in India. The Hindu caste system is looked upon as a divine institution. People who violate it are considered sinners and it is believed that God will punish them and because of this people lack the will to violate the laws of the caste system.
6. Racial Differences: Multiplicity of races ‘leads to formulation of many strict laws concerning discrimination since each race endeavors to maintain its purity. In the medieval period of Indian history, stringent laws concerning caste were laid down to protect Hindu society from the Muslims. This also strengthened the continuation of caste system in India.
7. Illiteracy: Education inculcates awareness. Mass illiteracy and absence of educational facilities have been one of the major factors favoring the caste system. It has experienced that an uneducated society is static and motionless. Superstitions, traditions and mores breed freely among uneducated people.