cast system in India a crime against humanity

[KhalsaWarrior]

As an Indian I can safely say that the Caste system, in its current form isn't holding back India from progressing as a developed nation. Bad governance and political opportunism are much greater stumbling blocks than caste system. Being a lower caste isn't a factor in their lack of opportunities and access to resources. Poverty is. A high caste poor has the same (I would even say less) opportunities as a lower caste poor. All govt. institutions - educational and professional have upto 30% reservation for lower castes. These include govt owned or run colleges, departments, banks, industries etc.

Caste system, in most cases, manifests itself like a community divide thing. Much like Pashtuns differentiate themselves from Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks etc. It doesnt stop you doing business with them, cohabiting the same workplace as them or partying co-mingling with them. Just that when it comes to marital relations, people tend to marry within their own caste just like one would do in case of a community.

I would also agree that some areas in the East that are undeveloped still practice the worst form of caste system - untouchability, but that is rare and fast on the wane.

[unknownprince]

Dzj, you need to seek professional help. You have issues that may need the immediate attention of a local imam inshAllah.

Yours truly

Khalsawarrior,

So you are proud of India's racist system.

On the bright side, without such a system,there would not have been 200 million Muslims in India.

[faye]

^ yeah there are many other things too, but caste system keeps low caste people poor on purpose, while the higher castes get richer beyond belief

have you seen that documentary, where the english guy goes into the big slum in mumbai and meets a millionaire who started out as a rag picker? very interesting doco. he points out the good and the bad within the social setup of the slum. the working conditions were horrific where they recycled plastics etc from tips and gathered around the city.

[khushal]

unknown,
Its not a racist system. Its a system of control. It is designed to convince the poor accept the slavery and be subserviant to the rich. Its a psychological tool to prevent uprisings and riots.

Khalsowarrior,
It is this cast system that has made the indian population so subserviant to invaders for centuries. The indian people were not as subserviant when alexander came, they became subserviant when this cast sytem was introduced and implemented.

[faye]

the caste system is said to be thousands of years old, brought in by the arayians but became rigid during british rule.

[KhalsaWarrior]

Khalsawarrior,

So you are proud of India's racist system.

On the bright side, without such a system,there would not have been 200 million Muslims in India.

What made you say that? In its worst form it is a despicable practice. But you need to understand it in its current form. That is what I tried to explain in my previous post, but you clearly failed to understand it. Keep an open mind, and don't always view things by your pre-conceived notions.

[khushal]

it became rigid during british rule was because the brits tried to equate it to their own class system.

[faye]

yes, the brits would have loved it.

[KhalsaWarrior]

unknown,
Its not a racist system. Its a system of control. It is designed to convince the poor accept the slavery and be subserviant to the rich. Its a psychological tool to prevent uprisings and riots.

Khalsowarrior,
It is this cast system that has made the indian population so subserviant to invaders for centuries. The indian people were not as subserviant when alexander came, they became subserviant when this cast sytem was introduced and implemented.

Interesting analysis but based on a false premise. The caste system was probably set in place in the Vedic period, that began around 1500 BC. Alexander attacked in 320 BC. So the caste system was already solidified and entrenched in the Indian society for a good 1100-1200 years when Alexander attacked.

Caste system had nothing to do with making India susceptible to invasions. Lack of a unified political entity in India was more a factor than the caste system. Even an elementary analysis of Indian history will tell you that strong and unified empires as under Ashoka, Akbar etc were able to resist invasions than during the disjointed and loose confederation periods.

[KhalsaWarrior]

the caste system is said to be thousands of years old, brought in by the arayians but became rigid during british rule.

Incorrect again. Caste System had been prevalent for more than 2500 years when the Brits arrived. Its degenerateness effects were an important factor in the rise of Jainism and Buddhism and later the spread of Islam and Sikhism.

[faye]

what is incorrect? i actually read that it was about 3,600 years before the brits arrived.

[KhalsaWarrior]

what is incorrect? i actually read that it was about 3,600 years before the brits arrived.

Sorry, I meant to highlight the part that was incorrect. Rectified now.

[faye]

sorry, like you, i wasn't there at the time so i am only repeating what i have googled re; history and learning at the same time.

[khushal]

Khalsa,
Many scolars disagree on when and how the caste system was introduced to India. While you are assuming that it was solidified and entrenched during the vedic period. Over time there has been many challenges to the caste system and because of those challenges, it has evolved. you cant beleive it is the same today as it was 2500 years ago during the vedic period. Today, especially in the big cities, it has been slowly dwindling.

While you are right that lack of a unified political entity didnt exist. there is more to it than that. It seemed to me that the population just accepted the foreign rule without question.

[khushal]

Khalsa,
are you saying that the cast system did not become rigid during british rule? that doesnt make sence