Indian Caste System

The Caste System of India originated during the ancient times wherein the society is divided into separate social classes known as caste or jatis. Indians are born, marry and die to the caste where they belong. Today, the caste still has a major impact in the Indian society although the Indian government does not allow any form of caste in the country.

The caste system is from religious origins although its greatest impact was social in nature. People who don't belong to any caste were considered outcasts. There are five levels of the Caste System: the Brahmans or priests; Kshatriya which are composed of rulers, warriors, and landowners; the Vaishya or merchants; the Shudras or artisans and agriculturalists, and the Harijan who were formerly called "the untouchables."

The difference between each caste lies on the rights that are vested upon them and the duties that they are to play in the society. Each of them must work in their own sphere of profession. Each caste also has its own type of diet. The Harijans were formerly called "the untouchables" because they are engaged in degrading jobs. People believe that they were so dirty that they cannot be touched. Their name was later changed to Harijans or God's children.