The Hindu caste system in India dates back to more than three thousand years, according to scholars. Hindus in India are divided into different rigid groups on the basis of their Dharma and Karma in this social hierarchy called Hindu caste system.
In order of prominence the main four castes in Hinduism include:
Brahmin – The spiritual and intellectual chiefs or leaders
Kshatriyas – The public servants and protectors of society
Vaishyas — The skillful producers
Shudras — The unskilled laborers
Each of these castes has a number of subcategories. One class of people is ‘The Untouchables’. In the social hierarchy of the Hindu caste system, the Untouchables are the lowest and are put outside the caste system.
Each and every aspect of the person’s religious, social and professional status in India has been determined by the Hindu caste system, since centuries. A lot of discrimination based on caste took place which was banned by the constitution of India when the country gained independence. The Hindu caste system continues to exist in India till date however it is not followed strictly. People have started overlooking their old traditions and customs however certain traditions like marrying within the same specific caste are still followed.
The most authoritative and important book ‘Manusmriti’ dating back to around one thousand years before the birth of Christ, is a book on Hindu law that justifies and acknowledges the Hindu caste system on the basis of regularity and order of society.
