01-14-2009, 03:09 AM
Caste system
Justice Markandey Katjuâs vision that the caste system is on its last legs and will vanish in 10-20 years can become a reality only if all of us start following the caste of humanity and practising the religion of love. Otherwise, it will remain a dream.
J.P. Reddy,
Nalgonda
* * *
The caste system is deeply entrenched in society. It survived in India even during the 200 years of colonial rule. Advancement in science and technology and social progress might have produced a change in which a few are economically empowered regardless of their social background. But social progress has not been inclusive. It has left behind a vast majority. Rural India is still polarised on caste lines. Caste can be eliminated only if it is perceived as a problem of the entire society.
N. Sekar,
Salem
* * *
The caste system did not lead to the division of labour alone. It also led to the division of labourers. It divided society vertically where workers were graded. It was the âupperâ castes who created the division and legitimised it by codifying it in Hindu scriptures. The caste system never had any purpose other than to maintain the domination of the âupperâ castes over the backward sections. That is the reason why the caste system did not emerge in any other country while division of labour was a universal social phenomenon.
As historian D.D. Kosambi says in An introduction to the study of Indian History, there was no ownership and trade of slaves in ancient India because the institution of caste did the work of enslaving without owning and with far greater efficiency. The place of the slave whose surplus product could be expropriated was taken by the shudra. To foresee that caste will end due to inter-caste marriages and technological advancement in a couple of decades is like digging a dam with a tablespoon.
Deepankar Wavare,
Kuwait
* * *
Apart from peopleâs struggles, technological advancement and inter-caste marriages, there is one more factor that can effectively end the caste system â equality. Although the principles of equal opportunity and equal protection of law are enshrined in the Constitution, they are not practised. From birth to death, an individual relies on his family ties and caste circle for his protection and progress. The presence of caste lobbies in all the sectors can be attributed to this lack of equal opportunity.
Jambunathan Ravikumar,
Chennai
* * *
Besides being a pointer to oneâs occupation, caste represents oneâs culture. Even today, people follow the rituals associated with their caste, irrespective of their economic status. People form caste-based associations not only to get political opportunities but also to preserve their history and identity. Technological advancement and inter-caste marriages will only create problems that are more dangerous than the existing system of discrimination.
Gangipelli Thirupathi,
Hyderabad
Justice Markandey Katjuâs vision that the caste system is on its last legs and will vanish in 10-20 years can become a reality only if all of us start following the caste of humanity and practising the religion of love. Otherwise, it will remain a dream.
J.P. Reddy,
Nalgonda
* * *
The caste system is deeply entrenched in society. It survived in India even during the 200 years of colonial rule. Advancement in science and technology and social progress might have produced a change in which a few are economically empowered regardless of their social background. But social progress has not been inclusive. It has left behind a vast majority. Rural India is still polarised on caste lines. Caste can be eliminated only if it is perceived as a problem of the entire society.
N. Sekar,
Salem
* * *
The caste system did not lead to the division of labour alone. It also led to the division of labourers. It divided society vertically where workers were graded. It was the âupperâ castes who created the division and legitimised it by codifying it in Hindu scriptures. The caste system never had any purpose other than to maintain the domination of the âupperâ castes over the backward sections. That is the reason why the caste system did not emerge in any other country while division of labour was a universal social phenomenon.
As historian D.D. Kosambi says in An introduction to the study of Indian History, there was no ownership and trade of slaves in ancient India because the institution of caste did the work of enslaving without owning and with far greater efficiency. The place of the slave whose surplus product could be expropriated was taken by the shudra. To foresee that caste will end due to inter-caste marriages and technological advancement in a couple of decades is like digging a dam with a tablespoon.
Deepankar Wavare,
Kuwait
* * *
Apart from peopleâs struggles, technological advancement and inter-caste marriages, there is one more factor that can effectively end the caste system â equality. Although the principles of equal opportunity and equal protection of law are enshrined in the Constitution, they are not practised. From birth to death, an individual relies on his family ties and caste circle for his protection and progress. The presence of caste lobbies in all the sectors can be attributed to this lack of equal opportunity.
Jambunathan Ravikumar,
Chennai
* * *
Besides being a pointer to oneâs occupation, caste represents oneâs culture. Even today, people follow the rituals associated with their caste, irrespective of their economic status. People form caste-based associations not only to get political opportunities but also to preserve their history and identity. Technological advancement and inter-caste marriages will only create problems that are more dangerous than the existing system of discrimination.
Gangipelli Thirupathi,
Hyderabad