It is not easy to define Hinduism. The present paper is an attempt to present a brief general sketch of the Sociology of Hinduism and does not report about the findings of the two approaches - Linguistic and Contextual – generally followed by scholars. The paper deals in detail regarding the structure of the Hindu society – the caste system, its origins, caste and religion, caste and occupation, hierarchy and mobility within the caste system. The paper also examines the position of Dalits and untouchables in the wider network of caste system and the future of the caste system in India.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. What is Hinduism?
- 3. The Structure of Hindu Society
- 3.1 The Social Reality of the Hindu Caste System
- 3.1.1 Origin of Caste System
- 3.1.1.1 Social Classes or Varnas
- 3.1.2 Evolution of Caste System
- 3.1.3 Defining Caste
- 3.1.4 Restrictions Imposed by Caste
- 3.1.4.1 Pollution
- 3.1.5 Caste and Religion
- 3.1.6 Caste and Occupation
- 3.1.7 Economic Aspect of the Caste
- 3.1.7.1 Hierarchy and Mobility within the Caste System
- 3.1.8 Caste System: Today and Tomorrow
- 3.1.1 Origin of Caste System
- 3.2 Dalits or the Untouchables in the Wider Network of Caste System
- 3.2.1 Who are the Outcastes or Chandalas?
- 3.2.2 Subhuman Condition in the Hierarchy
- 3.2.2.1 Social Segregation
- 3.2.2.2 Religious Discrimination
- 3.2.2.3 Economic Oppression
- 3.1 The Social Reality of the Hindu Caste System
- 4. Conclusion
- Appendix I: Dismantling Caste Barriers, Bit by Bit
- References
Objective & Themes
This paper aims to provide a brief general overview of the Sociology of Hinduism. It delves into the intricate structure of Hindu society, with a particular focus on the caste system, its historical origins, societal functions, and the challenging position of Dalits and untouchables within this framework.
- Sociological study of Hinduism.
- Analysis of the Hindu caste system, its origins, and evolution.
- Examination of the interrelationship between caste, religion, and occupation.
- Investigation of hierarchy, mobility, and restrictions within the caste system.
- Discussion of the social and economic conditions of Dalits and untouchables.
- Current state and future prospects of the caste system in India.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 Origin of Caste System
In the Hindu society there is both ignorance and misinformation about the origin and history of caste. In fact the whole system is based on some sort of beliefs and legends. According to one school of thought (Bose, 1968) caste is based on Brahminical literature or the vedas where caste appears to be of extreme antiquity. It is the so called 'conquest theory', purported to be made by the Brahminical or priestly order and is ascribed divine origin. Another school traces its origin to a comparatively recent time, and tends to look for its source in the nature of the elements composing early Indian society, and its development in the working of social forces. There is no consensus regarding the origin of the caste system.
According to the orthodox Hindu belief, the four varnas¹ formed the limbs of the primitive man (purusha). The Brahmins are said to have emerged from his mouth, Khatriyas from his arms, Vaishya from his thighs and the Shudras from his feet (Srinivas, 1963). But this is by no means a real reference to caste, the idea of caste came in as a result of interpretation given by Brahmins. Neither is there mention of hereditary trade/occupation in the Vedas.
3.1.1.1 Social Classes or Varnas
Another explanation of the caste system is connected with the concept of Varna (colour) which has deeply influenced the ethnographic reality of the caste, although its interpretation does not strictly correspond. To a Hindu layman varna means the division of the Hindu society into four orders, namely, Brahmin (priest and scholar), Kshatriya (ruler and soldier), Vaishya (traders, merchants) and Shudra (peasant, labourer and servant). The first three are said to constitute the Aryans who came to India around 1500 B.C.¹ and the last the non-Aryan category. The varna scheme refers only to the broad category of the society and not to its effective units. Moreover, it gives a distorted picture of the caste system. According to varna scheme, caste is an immutable system where the place of each caste is clearly fixed for all time, there is no mobility among the ranks. But looking at how caste system functions actually, it is clear that varna theory can not explain it all (Srinivas, 1963; Bose, 1968).
3.1.2 Evolution of Caste System
During the period immediately prior to the advent of Buddha, the Brahmins had become the sole masters of religious ceremonials and had won spiritual supremacy. The Brahmins as a whole used their knowledge of Vedas and the sheer force of learning to acquire temporal power.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the sociological study of Hinduism, highlighting its importance as a research area and briefly outlining the traditional linguistic and contextual approaches to its study.
2. What is Hinduism?: This section discusses the inherent difficulty in defining Hinduism, exploring various characterizations (emotive, doctrinal, institutional) and acknowledging its diverse forms throughout history, including the Hindu self-definition as "sanātana dharma".
3. The Structure of Hindu Society: This comprehensive chapter examines how Hindu society has been profoundly shaped by the concept of caste, detailing its historical evolution from the Vedic period to its rigid modern form, and exploring its social, religious, occupational, and economic dimensions.
3.2 Dalits or the Untouchables in the Wider Network of Caste System: This section focuses on the lowest rung of the caste hierarchy, describing the subhuman conditions, social segregation, religious discrimination, and economic oppression faced by Dalits and untouchables, who are considered "outcastes" in Hindu society.
4. Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes the deep link between Hindu society and the caste system, highlighting its oppressive aspects for lower castes and Dalits, and discusses the Indian government's affirmative actions through reservations, acknowledging both their impact and ongoing challenges.
Appendix I: Dismantling Caste Barriers, Bit by Bit: This appendix presents a real-world case study detailing the efforts of organizations like KSS in Madhya Pradesh to dismantle untouchability and caste-based discrimination through community mobilization and legal action, illustrating both the resistance faced and the positive changes achieved.
Keywords
Hinduism, Sociology of Religion, Caste System, Dalits, Untouchables, Varna, Karma, Dharma, Social Hierarchy, Social Segregation, Economic Oppression, India, Purity and Pollution, Endogamy, Traditional Occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic subject of this work?
This work provides a brief general sketch of the Sociology of Hinduism, primarily focusing on the structure of Hindu society and the pervasive caste system.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central themes include the definition and characterization of Hinduism, the origins and evolution of the caste system, its impact on social reality, occupation, religion, economy, and the specific conditions of Dalits and untouchables.
What is the primary goal or research question?
The primary goal is to present a sociological overview of Hinduism, addressing how Hindu society is structured, particularly concerning the caste system, its various facets, and the position of marginalized groups like Dalits.
Which scientific method is used?
The paper draws upon sociological approaches, incorporating historical analysis and referencing scholarly works, to describe and analyze the social phenomena within Hinduism.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body delves into the definition of Hinduism, the structure of Hindu society, the social reality, origins, definitions, restrictions, economic aspects, and mobility within the caste system, as well as the plight of Dalits and untouchables.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms characterizing this work include Hinduism, Caste System, Dalits, Untouchables, Varna, Social Hierarchy, Purity and Pollution, and Social Segregation.
How does the document define Hinduism, given its complexity?
The document highlights the complexity of defining Hinduism, noting that it can be characterized emotively, doctrinally, or institutionally, and emphasizes its historical evolution and the varied beliefs and practices across regions and time periods, often self-defined as "sanātana dharma" (eternal religion).
What are the main theories presented regarding the origin of the caste system?
The paper discusses the "conquest theory" attributing divine Brahminical origin, and another theory linking it to the social forces and elements of early Indian society. It also describes the orthodox Hindu belief where the four varnas originated from the primitive man (purusha).
How does the caste system impose restrictions and lead to social segregation?
The caste system imposes rigid restrictions primarily through food and drink taboos and pollution by touch. It dictates occupations, social status, and marital practices (endogamy), leading to severe social segregation, particularly for lower castes and Dalits, who could even cause "distance pollution" to higher castes.
What role do Dalits play in the wider caste system, and what are their conditions?
Dalits, or untouchables, are considered social outcastes, existing even below the Shudras in the caste hierarchy. They historically endured subhuman conditions, forced into unclean occupations, faced extreme social segregation, religious discrimination (e.g., precluded from religious rites and education), and severe economic oppression, often trapped in bonded labor and poverty.
- Citation du texte
- Francis Thummy (Auteur), 2001, A Brief Sketch of the Sociology of Hinduism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1667026
