Caste System

The caste system is known as ‘Jati’ in the Nepali and Indian Context. Derived from the Spanish word Casta meaning ‘Breed or, Lineage’ (families from which they are directly related). The word caste also signifies ‘Race or, Kind’. The Caste System owes its origin to the Varna System.

According to the ‘Chaturvarna Doctrine,’ the Hindu Society is divided into 4 main Castes. Namely:

• Brahmins,
• Kashtriyas,
• the Vaishyas,
• The Shudras.

Caste is the hierarchical division of society. Which have been fixed into Two basic Social Characteristics, “So-called touchable and so-called Untouchables). It is a major factor especially In Nepali and Indian society.

Hindu religion practices the caste system more victoriously, since 3000 BC.

In Hindu /Aryan

• Brahmin Supposed to be Higher Caste(To educate, priest, Worshipping).
• Kashtriyas is Considered as second higher caste,(politics, Armforce, Police)
• Vaishyas are middle caste (Bussiness, Agriculture)
• Shudras are considered as lower caste(To provide Service for all above casts)

Such a caste system is found in other South Asian countries too. The caste system has caused social, economic, and political stratification and inequality. In western countries, societies are divided on the basis of Race (white and Blacks). There is a color based on Social Discrimination.

Definitions Of Caste:

• C.H Cooley, “when a class is somewhat strictly heredity, we may call it a caste.”
• D.N.Majumdar and TN. Madan has said that “Caste is a Closed Group.”
• Lundberg, ”A Caste is merely a rigid social class into which members are born and from which they can draw an escape only with extreme difficulty.”

Caste Breed Stratification in Nepal

• Nepalese Society is mainly based on Hindu Barna System.
• The caste system has existed in Nepalese society since the Vedic Age.
• According to the census 2001 (80.61%), people are Hindus in Nepal.
• It has been declared to be illegal to practice Caste System in Nepalese Society- The Muluki Ain (Civil Code) 2020 has abolished (formally ended) caste discrimination and untouchables.
• The so-called lower Caste people have been deprived of worshiping in the Temple, participating in Public Ceremonies, and even they have been misbehaved in Schools.
• Such Evil Practices and misbehave should be corrected through social Awareness. Dalits have very poor representation in national politics and policymaking levels.

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