Sociology

Indian Social System Dr. Nilika Mehrotra

School of Social Systems Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi – 110067 CONTENTS Introduction Varna System Origin of the Varna Duties of the Varna Ascending order of Responsibilities and Status Caste Definitions of Caste Origin of Caste in India Characteristics of Caste Mobility of the Varnas Caste Structure and Kinship Sub-Caste The Four Stages of Life Joint family Definitions of a joint Family Characteristics of a joint family Types of joint family Advantages of the joint family Changes in the joint family Changes in the Caste System Factors for Casteism

Introduction The study of Indian society necessitates that we try to understand the basic elements which provide the blueprint for thought and action. How are relationships organized through the history and in the contemporary times? What the rules and norms for individual and social conduct and from where they derive legitimacy are some of the issues which need to be understood. Indian society is extremely diverse in terms of societies, cultures and social behaviour. Sociologists, however, point to caste system as an organizing principle of Indian society. It is seen to be providing the basic frame around which relationships across groups are organized. Legitimacy for the caste divisions is derived from Hinduism the great religion of the Indian continent. Sociologists, however, also point out that earlier social science understandings were derived from great Hindu texts that these act as the guiding principles for social behaviour. The contextual realities vary a great deal. In the first section we discuss the blueprint for social organization of Indian society i.e. varna system, belief system and its relevance in understanding the system.

VARNA SYSTEM In the Indian social system, Varna is only a reference category and not a functioning unit of social structure, and only refers broadly to the ascribed status of different jatis. It is also a classificatory device....