India is a country of unique culture, deep philosophical thought and extremely sharp social contrasts. The tradition of dividing indigenous peoples into castes has developed in times immemorial. And it is still strong and takes place in modern society. Although, of course, observed is not so categorical as before.
Definition of concept
"What is a caste?" - you ask. First, in this case, the word has nothing to do with Russian rappers from Rostov-on-Don, whose band has a similar name. Secondly, we turn, as always in such cases, to the most competent sources - explanatory dictionaries. They say that the word is of foreign origin. So what is a caste? According to the dictionaries, in translation into Russian - this is the origin, the breed, the estate. So in India are called social groups, to which all of its population is divided.
Occurrence
There was a class hierarchy for a long time, approximately in the period from 1500 to 1200 BC. The first peoples who settled India were 4 varnas (another explanation of what a caste is), later recognized as the main ones: the first - the priests, the second - the warriors, the third - the traders and herders with farmers. The fourth, the lowest, included servants and handymen. The peculiarity of varnas was their practically complete class impermeability. That is, representatives of the lower social strata could never penetrate higher. And what is caste in later times? The same rigid fixation of a certain estate. The difference was that from the inside, these groups began to be divided into smaller ones, with their own internal borders, even more rigid and demanding. And no matter what political and ideological changes occur in the country, they could not shake the system. So, what are castes in India? These are the fundamental foundations of the organization of the whole society.
Caste and Karma
Hindus believe in the immutability of the law of karma. And the fact that a person lives several lives, obeying the law of reincarnation. Only thanks to him you can change for the better your destiny. If the Hindu strictly observed the laws and requirements of his caste, then in the next life he goes to a higher level. If these laws were violated, then in the next incarnation the person was born in the peasant's place instead of the family of priests. And, dragging a hard existence, atoned for the sins of past lives. Remember the song of Vysotsky on this subject! The essence of the doctrine is set forth in it very clearly. And it is especially scary to be among the untouchables.
Interesting Facts
What is a caste - the definition of a concept - we found out. But, probably, very few people know here about what nuances. The higher the social ladder level occupied by a person, the more stringent the selection criteria for his surroundings. For example, if a representative of a high caste on the street has become ill, commoners have no right to help him. After touching, they will stain, desecrate with their touch. There are cases when representatives of noble families died precisely because no one was equal to them by birth. If marriages between representatives of different castes are concluded, this is due to the lowering of the status from high to rank lower, and never vice versa. Another interesting part is this. In each region of the country there is a caste system, and not always in neighboring geographic areas are selected equivalents. And only the brahmanas are the same everywhere and everywhere. If we talk about metaphysics, about the spiritual plane, caste is widespread in philosophical teachings and is considered one of the stages of enlightenment. And here, unhindered transitions from lower to higher levels are possible, which are carried out under the guidance of experienced mentors. By the way, for the most ancient times, it was primarily such an understanding of the caste division that characterized it.