Q.8 Brief about any two Caste – Origin Theories
Ans:
Divine Origin of Caste
- Widely accepted: Found in religious texts like Shastras and Puranas.
- Belief: God created the caste system through the cosmic being “Purusha”.
- Varna structure: Brahmins (mouth), Kshatriyas (arms), Vaishyas (thighs), Shudras (feet).
- Justification: Caste duties ordained by God, hence religiously followed.
- Sources: Rig Veda, Manu Smriti, Bhagavad Gita.
~ Karma & Transmigration Theory
- Linked to Divine Origin: Explains caste status as consequences of past actions (karma) across lifetimes.
- Justification for Suffering: Lower castes seen as reaping past sins, offering acceptance of their hardships.
- Promise of Improvement: Performing caste duties leads to higher caste in next life, reinforcing social order.
- Function: Justifies division of labor and potential for social mobility
| Source : Book IGNOU : Chapter :28 Page Number : 151 : PDF Link |
| Extra Info : Occupational Theory Proposed by: NesfieldCore Idea: Occupation as the sole reason for caste system’s development.Explanation: Early on, professions weren’t exclusive to specific castes.Over time, specialisation led to groups associating with certain occupations.These associations eventually became hereditary, solidifying the caste system. Tribes & Religious Theory Core Idea: Lower castes originated from gradual assimilation of tribes into the Hindu social order. Arguments: Tribes gradually transformed into castes over time.Many lower castes today are believed to have tribal ancestry. Racial Theory Proposed by: Herbert RisleyCore Idea: Caste system rooted in racial differences between Indo-Aryans and non-Aryans.Explanation:Indo-Aryans migrated from Persia with existing social division (priests, warriors, etc.).They maintained this division and saw themselves as racially distinct from non-Aryans.To preserve their “superior” status, they practiced:Hypergamy: Men marrying women from higher castes but not vice versa.Restrictions on inter-caste marriages: Preventing “mixing” with non-Aryans. |