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Original Caste System

• A type of social organization/hierarchy in which a person’s occupation and position in life is determined by the circumstances of his birth.

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Purpose is to help people of other castes fulfill their dharma. Perform rituals and observe vows for the sake of others

CHANGES IN CASTE STRUCTURE

• Before they kept within their own caste, now they can intermingle.
• Intermarriage between the castes are now allowed.
• The predetermined superiority of the Brahmins have declined.
• Occupational workers are of higher importance compared to before.
• The practice of untouchability and discrimination is legally abolished.

URBANIZATION

• Rise of this is causing a change in the caste system.
• Obervance of purity and pollution rules is negligible.
• Correlation between caste and occupation is declining.
• Caste status is unknown in urban areas.

WESTERNIZATION

• Higher caste people adopt western principles.
• Lower caste people adopt higher caste customs.

CASTE SYSTEM TODAY

• Still intact, but not as strict.
• In 1962, caste discrimination was made illegal.
• Some Sudras are teachers or high officials.
• All castes are equally treated by law.
• Education is free and open to all castes.