CASTE SYSTEM

Original Caste System

• Brahmins
• Kshatriyas
• Vaisyas
• Sudras
• Untouchables

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.