INDIAN CASTE SYSTEM

 INDIAN CASTE SYSTEM

Had Sri Krishna divided people into classes?

The definitive answer to this is found in the thirteenth verse of Chapter 4 of Bhagavad Gita, where, he declares:

चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः।

तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्धयकर्तारमव्ययम्‌॥

“Although I have created the four classes (varn)-Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra-according to innate properties and actions, know me the immutable as a non-doer.’’

Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, clearly points out that these natural divisions in the human society are created by Him but these divisions are not based on birth but are “according to the three modes of material nature and the work associated with them“

Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness—these are the natural qualities by which the brahmins work.

Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the kshatriyas.

Farming, cow protection and business are the natural work for the vaishyas, and for the shudras there is labor and service to others.

                                                   

Unfortunately, in the current caste system the main/only criteria is one’s birth and not one’s qualification. This has inevitably led to the breakdown of the Varnashrama system, which is the back bone of Hinduism. The results are obvious for everyone to see.

India is a country which is known to be very cultural throughout the world. However, the culture rooted deep in the country also has various problems. We are a country that has a prevalent problem of Casteism. Casteism refers to discrimination based on the caste of a person. It is a great social evil that needs to be done away with. It is responsible for stopping the country from developing. Furthermore, it also causes oppression which is very bad for society.

Basically, the religious and social circles dictate Casteism in India. Mostly, people living in rural areas are facing this problem tremendously. This problem is centuries old and needs time to be abolished completely. During the early times, the villages were segregated on the basis of their caste. They were made to live in separated colonies. Even the place for buying food or getting water was segregated from those of the upper castes. For instance, the highest caste i.e. Brahmin never touched anything which belonged to a person of a lower caste. Moreover, they were denied entry into temples as they though them to be impure. When we look at the present scenario, the impact may not be as severe as in the early periods, but it is still worrying. The people of the upper caste are very much looked up to and given access to all amenities. Whereas, on the other hand, the people of lower caste are not given such respect in certain areas even today. Sometimes, they don’t even get the same rights. While the people in urban areas have broadened their thinking, rural ones have still not. The villagers still do not believe in this concept and it also gives rise to honour killings.

 We need to abolish this social evil right away for a progressive India. Just because a person is born into a lower caste family, does not mean it will determine their value. Caste is nothing but a concept with no reference to the worth of a person. Therefore, we must not discriminate on the basis of a caste of a person. The government also tries to help the lower caste people through their reservation system. As they do not get equal opportunities, the government ensures they get it through the reservation. However, it also has its negative points. It kills the opportunity for deserving people and hampers the growth by barring actual talent.

People have misinterpreted the caste system by setting birth as the criteria, not the qualification/actions. Since Krishna is the soul that dwell within the hearts of all living beings. When we respect, honour and cherish others we are doing the same to Krishna himself and we see ourselves reflected in others. So the emphatic teaching of the Gita is that the highest ethical principle we should be striving for to focus on the WELFARE OF ALL BEINGS.

SUMMARY

1.    There is a natural hierarchy in every society.

2.    People have different “social value” - a pediatric heart surgeon has great social value than a car- salesman or a lawyer.

3.    All living beings have “intrinsic value” because they are all manifestations of God.

4.    We should treat all beings with respect, kindness, consideration, equality, compassion and generosity.

5.    In other words we should practice the Golden Rule - treat others as you would like them to treat you.