Caste System

Quick Facts About the Caste System The Indian caste system has been in use for many years.  Still today the values of the caste system are held strongly.  It has kept a sense of order, and peace among the people. There are five different levels of the system: Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, and Untouchables. Within each of these categories are the actual "castes" or jatis within which people are born, marry, and die.

Brahmans (the priests and teachers Kshatriyas (soldiers and warriors Vaisyas (merchants and traders) Sudras (laborers) “Untouchable” jobs that involves “polluting activities”

Brahmans the priests, teachers, and judges Color that represents this caste is: WHITE

Kshatriyas He is a member of the caste Kshatriyas, which is right below the Brahmans.  He is important to the community because he is the main source of food.  He also is a protector. Color that represents this caste is RED.

Vaisyas The Fruit Merchant is part of the Vaishya caste.  The Vaishya caste are shopkeeper and sell products, unlike the Shudra who sell services. Color that represents this caste is BROWN.

Sudras Provides services: Potters Dhobi – Washermen Barhi – Carpenter Nai – Barber Goala – Herdsmen Mali – Gardener Kumhar – Sculptor Color that represents this caste is BLACK!

Untouchable They performed the jobs that no one else wanted to perform. The primary work of Untouchables included scavenging and street sweeping, emptying toilets, the public execution of criminals, the disposal of dead animals and human corpses, and the clean-up of cremation grounds. Surprisingly, musicians belonged to this class, too, but music was listened to by members of other castes.

Treatment of Untouchables They had to move off the path if someone from a higher class approached because contact with such people was "contaminating". Untouchables' very shadows were considered polluting, and they were required to beat drums and make loud noises to announce their approach. Untouchables had to attach brooms to their backs to erase any evidence of their presence. Cups were tied around their necks to capture any spittle that might escape their lips and contaminate roads and streets. Their meals were taken from broken dishes. Untouchables were denied access to public wells. They did not live within the cities or villages, nor were they allowed to enter during the day At night they could enter to scavenge and collect night soil (manure). They were forbidden to learn to read and write, and were prohibited from listening to any of the traditional Hindu texts. Their clothing was taking from corpses.