The Caste System

The term caste describes the social structure that has influenced almost every aspect of Hindu life for millennia, affecting people’s economic and social status, their political and individual power, what educational opportunities and jobs they will have, who they can marry, and even their access to basic human rights. Dalits are those considered literally to be out-castes, traditionally destined to lead a life of poverty, providing menial labour with very limited opportunities.

Most of the communities working with SCAD ae located in dry belt aeas, where the land is less fertile. The lower castes are often forced to live separately, in small, isolated settlements and work on land owned by the higher castes.  They are often denied good quality education, safe drinking water, and other basic rights.  Relationships between people in the rural areas are also profoundly affected by caste.  For a Dalit there is limited freedom of expression and almost no power at times being subjected to inhuman treatment, in the name of caste.  SCAD’s mission is to uplift these people, promoting self-esteem, self-responsibility, focusing on new opportunities and recognising the equality of all people. 

There are four castes – the highest is Brahmin (traditionally priests, teachers and represent only around 5% of the population they are still the rulers and ‘knowledge-workers’), the next is the Kshatriya (warriors in ancient times), then Vaishyas (conventionally merchants and traders) and Shudra (labourers).  

Within these four categories there are 198 formally recognised tribes and castes.  Although attempts have been made to create a more equal society since the 5th century BC (with the emergence of Buddhism), and the Caste System is no longer strictly enforced, the basic power structure has not changed and Dalits are still treated as Untouchables in some parts of India (the higher castes literally refusing to touch them). 

According to Hindu belief, where you find yourself in the hierarchy, depends on your Karma in a former life.  To escape a low birth in the next life, one must fulfill one’s Dharma (duty), i.e. for Dalits this means to live under oppression, fulfilling the role determined by the caste system. Conversion to another religion, most commonly Christianity and Islam, are a partial means of escaping the stigma of untouchability, although all non-Hindus are officially considered low caste and socially a converted Dalit is still considered an outcaste.

 

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