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What seemed to have
been an ingrained feature of the traditional and ancient Indian
culture seems to be a matter of concern in today’s day and age.
Well, for that matter every nation has had its own distinctive
and rather rigid caste system. However, the difference between
the caste system in India and that which has existed in the
other nations is that in India it has been based on the
religious scriptures, whereas other nations have recognized it
as an essential doctrine of traditional society, which does not
need to exist today.
So, while there was a romanticism attached to the rigid caste
system of India, as accounted for by the historians and writers,
in today’s times there is a pathetic feel to it. This is more so
because the class and caste distinction is different. In times
gone by those at the lower end of the scale were the have-nots.
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They not only did the menial jobs, but
also depended on society for their survival. They were the slaves of
society. However, though as a class they may exist, yet financially they
have far more. But yet, on the basis of their caste-belonging they try
to make most of the benefits provided to them by the Constitution of
India.
One of the major effects of the caste system in modern India is the
inequality it brings about. While one may not know one caste from
another. Or, one belonging to a lower caste maybe rubbing shoulders with
the upper castes, and in fact, having a plush lifestyle, yet when it
comes to making most of reserved opportunities he would make the most of
it.
Today, there needs to be an abolishment of the Acts in the constitution
that defines the Rights of those belonging to the lowest ranks of
ancient society. Today’s class distinction is not based on profession,
as it was earlier, but on financial status. For instance, cobblers were
in the lowest rank of society known as Shudras and they earned measly
sums of money. However, today the so-called cobblers have businesses
flourishing, though there are still those that mend shoes on the
sidewalk.
Thus, to deal with the criticisms of caste system, it is a necessity to
re-define the actual class distinctions and accordingly make special
provisions. A consideration should be made for those students struggling
to study under the lamp-post; for those students who attend school and
then work and study by night. The India caste system, no doubt, needs to
be redefined to bring fairness to one and all.
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