The difference between caste and class is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination. Imposes many restrictions on the members. Castes are regarded as hereditary groups with fixed ritual status. 6. The caste system is based on the premise of cumulative inequality. This acts as a good platform to enhance the level of social peace and prosperity in that society. One of the major points of difference between caste and class is that the caste of a person is usually determined by birth or heredity, whereas the class of a person is fixed by his or her social status. Mbh Udyoga Parva 40.25, Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the katriyas. How to intersect two lines that are not touching. @ramseysdream111 - it means Varna is decided by YOUR choices in a previous birth, which led to your current birth. According to this theory, the caste system is a clever device invented by the Brahmins in order to place themselves on the highest ladder of social hierarchy. It undermines the efficiency of labour and prevents perfect mobility of labour, capital and productive effort. On the other hand, Varna means to select or choose. The word caste derives from the Spanish and Portuguesecasta, means race, lineage, or breed. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam. Class system does not act as a political force. The Varna system is also known as Jathi or Caste system in simple language. The dif Another reason for this was stop the practice of forcing females to take up the surname of their husband after marriage. 2. Colours were frequently used as classifiers; e.g., the Vedic scripture known as the Yajurveda is divided into two groups of texts, White and Black. Caste-like systems are also found in countries like Indonesia, China, Korea, Yemen and certain countries in Africa, Europe as well. Can different people of different varna share the same gotra? Click the card to flip . Join 3,00,000+ Subscribers! I presume you are asking the difference between Varna ()system and Jaati (). Explain differences among them. 2. It is pertinent to note as marriage within the same Varna was advised as per dharmashastras, the children born of wedlock had the same guna/ karma as per their parents and would therefore belong to the same Varna as their parents (birth based). From ancient times, there are four types of Varnas followed in India based on the Varna System. Table of Content. It continued the traditional social organization of India. In essence, caste practice echoes the rules that used to govern relations between races in South Africa. Whereas the class system is based on the premise of dispersed inequality. 'caste' is an early translation by Europeans of 'varna' from the early 19th century if my memory serves me right. The caste system was flexible and based on profession rather than birth. At the bottom were the Shudras, who came from Brahmas feet. The difference in their literal meaning shows that Jati is evolved from a Sanskrit root 'jaha' meaning to be born. The four varnas and their duties can be described as follows:- Brahmins: the priests who studied and preached the Vedas and helped others attain spiritual objectives. It is a system in which society is divided into various social groups. Those Vaishya who could not get admitted into theChardocaste becameGauddos, andShudrasbecameSudirs. They specified a different set of obligations for each: the task of the Brahman is to study and advise, the baron to protect, the Vaishya to cultivate, and the serf to serve. Ambedkar are considered to be great supporters of caste reforms in India. The Varna system prevalent during the Vedic period was mainly based on division of labour and occupation. A caste is a form of social stratification determined by one single factor i.e. There are regional variations mostly based on linguistic differences. They were expected to study and teach the Vedas, execute sacrifices and rituals. However, both differ in the approach. A self-proclaimed 'esteemed' faculty member at a renowned IAS . The purpose of Varna Shastra was to create a social structure which is prevalent in every societies in order to maintain harmony. The Social Gap between people belonging to different castes is very wide which is not healthy for the overall progress of a nation. Difference Between Caste and Class (UPSC Indian Society): Download PDF Here! On the other hand, this system also impacts an individual's chances for upward mobility and at the same time appreciates that you should not change your identity of social class in which you were born. Note: Caste system developed on rigid lines post Mauryan period, especially after the establishment of Sunga dynasty by Pushyamitra Sunga (184 BC). Although Shantanu was a Kshatriya, he married low born satyavati. Its root can be traced back to thousands of years. How did Caste System originate in India: Various Theories, Principal features of caste system in India, Varna system prevalent during the Vedic period. Varnas are only four in number i.e. Varna vs Caste - The difference Varna and caste are 2 different concepts, though some people wrongly consider it the same. varna, Sanskrit vara, any one of the four traditional social classes of India. The Brahmanas were someone who did the intellectual jobs and scholarly work. Brahmins: the priests who studied and preached the Vedas and helped others attain spiritual objectives. You may also want to join, Difference/Relation between Varna and Jati. Is there any proof mentioned in any scripts? What is the difference between class and caste. This acts as a good platform to enhance the level of social peace and prosperity in that society. But what distinguishes Indian caste system from the rest is the core theme of purity and pollution, which is either peripheral or negligible in other similar systems of the world. Whereas, the class of a person is determined in the later part of his life based on the level of status, wealth, education, power or authority acquired by that person. 6. Now there are more than 3000 castes and sub-caste in India. The cultural-particularistic view is held by Louis Dumont who holds that caste is found only in India. the Brahmins and ultimately the Vedas. In the history of Dharma Shastra Shri P V Kane writes that the idea of Varna mainly lays emphasis on the ethical and intellectual capabilities of man. Hi, Open clearias.com from a new browser (or clear your cache) and you will see the option for free email subscription. Switching caste was possible in ancient India. The word was used initially in the sense of a race or creatures (not only humans) having similar characteristics and genetic makeup i.e. In its earliest phase, in the late Vedic period roughly between 900 500 BC, the caste system was really a varna system and consisted of only four major divisions . The Dalits (untouchables) is a group that does not exist within any of the four Varna . Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. The caste stratification of the Indian society had its origin in the chaturvarna system Brahmins, Kashtriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. There are many theories like traditional, racial, political, occupational, evolutionary etc which try to explain the caste system in India. Is the Rig Veda Purusha Suktam hymn an interpolation? It really helped me in my prelims preparation. ritualistic legitimization of authority. ii) Members can not marry outside their own caste. Class of a person is based on multiple factors like economic status, education, power, achievements etc. The explanation is really great and explanation is in details. The varnas have been known since a hymn in the Rigveda (the oldest surviving Indian text) that portrays the Brahman (priest), the Kshatriya (noble), the Vaishya (commoner), and the Shudra (servant) issued forth at creation from the mouth, arms, thighs, and feet of the primeval person (purusha). BG 18.42, That Brahmin who always perform his ablutions, who always wears his sacred thread, who always studies of the Vedas, who donates food to the lowly, who tells the truth and serves his guru, never falls off from Brahmaloka. iii) In most mutual exchange of foodstuffs is restricted to the caste. Caste hierarchy is according to the occupation. Before publishing your articles on this site, please read the following pages: 1. The Portuguese word "casta" is just the interpretation of a combination of varNa and kula/jAti. It held teachers and priests at the top (Brahmins). Besides, it also provides him with health insurance benefits. Disclaimer 9. It is the individuals caste that canalizes his choice in marriage, plays the roles of the state-club, the orphanage and the benefits society. A caste was defined by the skin colour and occupation of the people. Ancient History: Evolution and Harappan Civilization, UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2022: General Studies Official Paper, Constitutional Framework: Historical Background and Preamble - I, UPSC Civil Services: General Studies Mini Mock Test, UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2023 Test Series, CA 2022 - UPSC IAS & State PSC Current Affairs, CA 2023 - UPSC IAS & State PSC Current Affairs, UPSC CSE NCERT Based General Studies Mock Test Series. 5. B (son of A) - his birth or Jaati is Vaishya birth or Vaishya Jaati. Prohibited Content 3. Varna System is flexible while caste is a rigid one. Difference between Caste and Class is explained here in detail. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Confirmation to ones own dharma also remits on ones birth in the rich high caste and violation gives a birth in a lower and poor caste. Refer: Any references where varna/caste is determined independent of birth/parentage? Brahmans and Kshatriya themselves contrast in that the former are the priests, while the latter have the actual dominion. Our training methods are different from traditional coaching. Whereas the class system does not pose a hindrance to the growth of the democratic system as the class of a person is based on his or her education, income, achievement, etc. No. Though even earlier and later (after the concept changed) children displayed the same Guna karma as their parents, the flexibility to change based on Guna karma was done away with. Varna-class correlation is mostly positive. It has given scope for religious conversion. In each of these Varnas, there are hundreds of castes that have been represented. In India, the caste system is followed since the Vedic times. i didnt find the option to join or subscribe. The socio-economic caste census gives details about the various castes present in India. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. These family "clans" were called "kula-s" or "jAti-s" in India. Caste is fundamental of birth, Varna a fundamental of action. Difference between Caste and Class Conclusion A caste is a social stratification based on a single factor, ritualistic authority legitimation. Hence Varna is concerned with ones colour or occupation. Any references where varna/caste is determined independent of birth/parentage? Varna's are only four in number i.e. Early Vedic Period. Caste or Jati originates from the root word Jana which implies taking birth. 4. v) The castes believe their origin to be in some first person of God. Social class does not act as a hindrance to occupational mobility. The Social gap between people belonging to different classes is narrower when compared to the gap that is prevalent among people belonging to different Castes. Varna is a Sanskrit word with several meanings. What is the purpose of the caste system? The concept of Jaati. The clergies divided publics into four groups, called Varna. 1. Many UPSC toppers thank ClearIAS for our role in their success. The Kshatriya is comparable to the arms because he defends society, the Shudra work like the feet. However, there is no restriction in marriage between two people belonging to different classes and there is usually no conflict between the family members of the couple belonging to different classes. Free email subscription it the same gotra `` jAti-s '' in India,. 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