The changing face of present-day caste system

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Manu gave the theory of �varna� which destroyed social balance. Society is again being divided into two segments, the working class and the �Brown Sahibs�. The new rulers are not really Indians; they are the successors of earlier White ruling class.

CJ: Rajesh kumar

Sat, Dec 20, 2008 17:04:17 IST

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Indian Social Issues :

I WAS travelling in a Metro rail. It’s usual that other staff members of my company also travel on the same train. One of the chief technicians of my company was already sitting inside as we entered. I, and another colleague (he is a librarian) found a seat in front of the chief technician. But before we could sit down, he stood up and walked away to sit on another seat. I felt hurt and so did my colleague.

I thought it over whether the chief technician’s initiative of keeping a distance from his juniors and to show-off his seniority was justified. From this live example I could relate to the mentality of the society, and how Manu came up with the theory of ‘varna’. Social conditions then could be the same as our present day society where the wealthy people want to maintain their status and try to exploit those below them. They don’t want to give a chance to those who are trying to seek a better status in society. We have been reading in the books and hearing quotations of wise people saying that every person is equal but the reality is totally different and painful too.

It was a different era and time when Manu gave the theory of ‘varna’ according to the profession and it became a permanent social system which continued from generation to generation. There was no chance of upward mobility for those who wanted to use their creativity and talent according to their choice. Sant Ravidas had a great personality and knowledge but just because he was a ‘Shudra’ by caste and a cobbler by profession he suffered social prejudice. That society was senseless and wanted to exploit those who were struggling with hunger, poverty, social neglect etc.

Something similar is happening today. The earlier division was by profession but now the society is being divided financially. More than 80 per cent of people earn less than Rs 20 per day and the other 20 percent people consume the output of the majority. In reality we are not independent; it’s just a change of those who can exploit us. Before 1947, the White man was ruling us but today the ‘Brown Sahibs’ have taken over. They are not really Indians; they are the successors of the earlier White ruling class.

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Posted comments (2)

	It is about 'haves' and 'haves-not' that 's been since the primitive age. 'Haves' has always been ruling the rest. That was the condition that created the caste system. so it's not about current time when society is getting devided in the basis of having finance. but, definatily, after the caste system emerged, situation got more grim for he downtrodden.
	amit \| 22 December 2008 Reply to Comment \| New Comment \| Report Abuse

	Why blame the social system when each individual can come up without being dependent on a caste certificate. The reservation system has done more harm than good to the society as meritocracy in governance is replaced by corruption and caste equations for promotions. We are slaves of our own limited thinking and start blaming the society when we have to compete and perform in a competitive world. Laziness, not ready to work up the ladder by performing at work are common reasons for non performance. Aspiring for a government job and not taking up any job that comes by and not enhancing vocational skills are the true problems we face today.The so called political leaders who claim to provide a voice for the downtrodden ensure they get rich aka Mayawati and want people to be backward forever so that their clan and tribe may continue to make hay.
	Srinivas Vedula \| 20 December 2008 Reply to Comment \| New Comment \| Report Abuse