VARNA AND JATI

In the partial fulfillment of marking scheme of B.A.LL.B. (7th semester)

Submitted To: Submitted By:Shvet Sharma

Dr.Vikas Nandal BA.LLB 7th –SEM

ABSTRACT: In this article we are going to discuss about two of the main ancient social
institutions of India which are Varna and Jati. Varna and jati are two social structures that have a
significant impact on the society and culture of India. The varna system is based on the ancient
Hindu texts and divides society into four primary classes or varnas, including Brahmins,
Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The jati system, on the other hand, is based on birth and
divides people into thousands of sub-castes.

Both these systems have led to discrimination and social inequality, particularly with regard to
the lower castes. However, the Indian government has attempted to abolish caste-based
discrimination through various measures such as affirmative action programs and reservation
policies for lower castes.

Today, the varna and jati systems are seen as complex and problematic, with many people
advocating for their eradication in modern Indian society. However, these systems continue to
exist in some form and exert a significant influence on social and cultural practices in India.

Key Words: Discrimination,Modern,Cultural,Society,eradication.

Introduction: India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, and is often referred to as a
'melting pot' of cultures. However, the system of Varna and Jati has been one of the major factors
that have been integral to Indian society. Although these two concepts have been distinct, they
have often been used interchangeably over the years. Simply put, Varna refers to the social class
system that was prevalent in ancient India while Jati refers to the subdivision within each Varna.

What is Varna?

Varna refers to the ancient social divisions that existed in India. These divisions were based on
one's occupation, and the Varnas were created to ensure that everyone had a specific role to play
in society. The four Varnas were:

1. Brahmins: The highest order of the caste system, Brahmins were the priests, scholars, and
educators.

2. Kshatriyas: The warrior class, Kshatriyas were responsible for protecting society and
enforcing the laws.

3. Vaishyas: The merchant class, Vaishyas were involved in trade, commerce, and agriculture.

4. Shudras: The laborers, Shudras were involved in manual labor and service work.
These Varnas were based on the belief that every individual was born with a certain innate
ability that determined their profession and social standing. The Varna system was meant to
ensure that everyone had a specific role in society and that there was no conflict between
different social classes.

The Varna System and Its Evolution:

The Varna system was initially based on one's occupation, and there was no concept of heredity
associated with it. However, over time, the system became associated with birth, and one's social
standing was determined by the caste they were born into. This resulted in the caste system
becoming rigid, with little or no social mobility.

The caste system became more complex with the introduction of the concept of untouchability.
The untouchables, also known as Dalits, were considered to be outside the caste system, and
their occupations were associated with impurity. They were considered to be lower than even the
Shudras, and were subjected to discrimination and oppression.

The British colonial rule further exacerbated the problems associated with the caste system. The
British used the caste system as a means of controlling Indian society and exploited the existing
fault lines to their advantage. They introduced laws that were meant to maintain social
stratification and created divisions between different castes. The caste system became more rigid,
and the untouchables were subjected to even more oppression.

The Caste System and the Constitution of India:

The constitution of India, which was adopted in 1950, sought to eliminate the caste system and
establish a more egalitarian society. The constitution abolished untouchability and made it illegal
to discriminate against anyone based on their caste.

The constitution also provided for affirmative action measures to be taken to uplift the backward
classes, including the Dalits. These measures included reservation of seats in educational
institutions and government jobs for members of the backward classes.

The reservation policy has been a contentious issue in Indian society, with many arguing that it
has created divisions and perpetuated the caste system. However, proponents of the policy argue
that it is necessary to ensure that the benefits of development reach those who have been
historically marginalized.

Jati: Jati, on the other hand, refers to the subcastes that exist within each Varna. These
subcastes were based on one's occupation, and individuals within a Jati were expected to follow
certain customs and traditions that were unique to their Jati.

The Jati system was more fluid than the Varna system, with individuals being able to move
between different Jatis based on their occupation. However, with the evolution of the caste
system, Jatis became associated with birth, and individuals were expected to marry within their
Jati.

The Jati system is still prevalent in Indian society, with individuals being identified by their Jati.
Jatis have also been used as a means of political mobilization, with political parties relying on
caste-based support to win elections.

Significance of Varna and Jati:

There are many debates surrounding the significance of varna and jati in Indian society. On one
hand, supporters of the caste system argue that it provides a useful framework for organizing
society and ensuring social stability. They argue that each caste has a specific role to play in
society, and that the system ensures that everyone has a place and a role to fulfill.

On the other hand, critics of the caste system argue that it is a discriminatory and unjust system
that perpetuates inequality and oppression. They argue that the caste system is a form of social
apartheid that denies people their basic human rights and is incompatible with modern
democracy and social justice.

Impact of Varna and Jati on Indian Society:

The impact of varna and jati on Indian society is a complex and disputed topic. There is no doubt
that the caste system has played a significant role in shaping Indian society, influencing
everything from social relations and economic production to religious practices and political
power.

At the same time, the caste system has also been criticized for perpetuating a range of social and
economic inequalities, including poverty, discrimination, and violence. Some studies have
suggested that caste discrimination is one of the main drivers of poverty and underdevelopment
in India, particularly in rural areas where traditional caste norms remain strong.

Controversies Surrounding Varna and Jati:

The varna and jati system has been a controversial topic in India for many years, with ongoing
debates over its origins, significance, and continued relevance in contemporary Indian society.

One of the main controversies surrounding the caste system is the issue of discrimination and
social exclusion. Many people argue that the caste system is inherently discriminatory,
perpetuating a system of social apartheid that denies people their basic human rights. Supporters
of the caste system argue that discrimination is not inherent in the system itself, but is a result of
social and cultural factors that have arisen over time.

Another controversy surrounding the caste system is the issue of social mobility. While the jati
system has traditionally been seen as a way of maintaining social status, some argue that it also
allows for upward social mobility. However, this claim is disputed by many who argue that
social mobility is limited by one's caste and that certain castes are systematically excluded from
economic and social opportunities.

Conclusion :The system of Varna and Jati has been an integral part of Indian society for
centuries. Although the system has evolved over time, it has been associated with discrimination
and oppression, particularly against the Dalits. The constitution of India sought to eliminate the
caste system and establish a more egalitarian society, although the implementation of affirmative
action measures has been a contentious issue. The Jati system is still prevalent in Indian society
and has been used as a means of political mobilization.

References:

1. Iyer, R. (2010). The caste and development debate: A Review of the evidence. Economic and
Political Weekly, 45(25), 49-58.

2. Jaffrelot, C. (2003). India's Silent Revolution: The Rise of the Lower Castes in North India. C.
Hurst & Co. Publishers.

3. Singh, K. B. (2003). Modernization of Indian tradition. Rawat Publications.

4. Srinivas, M. N. (1952). Religion and society among the Coorgs of South India. Oxford
University Press.

5. Thapar, R. (1996). The Aryan: Recasting, Reconstructing, Reinventing. Oxford University

Press.