Features of Caste System: Ghurye's Characterization
The caste system, as characterized by Ghurye, features segmental division of society determined by birth, hierarchy based on purity, restrictions on feeding and social intercourse, civil and religious privileges/disabilities, lack of occupational choice, and severe restrictions on inter-caste marriage.
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Features of caste system GHURYE S CHARACTERIZATION CAN BE CONSIDERED IDEAL TYPICAL WHICH IS FOLLOWING: 1. SEGMENTAL DIVISION OF SOCIETY: THE CASTE SYSTEM DIVIDES SOCIETY INTO VARIOUS CASTE GROUPS WITH A WELL-DEVELOPED LIFE OF THEIR OWN. MEMBERSHIP OF THE GROUP IS DETERMINED BY BIRTH.
2. Hierarchy Position of a caste in hierarchy is determined by various factors such as (a) the items of its dietary, (b) acceptance and refusal of water and food from other castes, (c) the ritual it performs, (d) the customs it observes, (e) its traditional privileges and disabilities, and (f) the myth of its origin. The castes that are placed upper in the hierarchy are considered to be purer than those who are placed lower. Louis Dumont (1911-1998), an eminent sociologist and Indologist, caste hierarchy is based in the opposition of the pure and the impure.
3. Restriction on Feeding and Social Intercourse To preserve the purity there are restrictions on feeding and social intercourse A person can accept Pakka food, i.e., food cooked with ghee, milk or butter, from inferior castes Kachcha food, i.e., food cooked with water, is accepted only from one s own or equivalent or superior castes. For example, in Kerala, a Nayadi is supposed to keep 22 meteres away from a Nambutri
4. Civil and Religious Disabilities and Privileges of the Different Sections The caste system imposes spatial segregation on castes which is the most clear cut mark of civil privileges and disabilities. The untouchables or the impurest castes are made to live on the outskirts of villages. Historical fact that under the Marathas and Peshwas, the Mahras and Mangs were not permitted within the gates of Poona between 3.00 P.M. and 9.00 A.M. because during this period their bodies can caste long shadows which can defile higher or purer castes. Lower or impurer castes were, traditionally, not allowed to use public wells. The schools did not admit their children. They were not allowed to read or listen sacred literature. They were not allowed to enter temples. Their dress and style of life were quite restricted
5. Lack of Unrestricted Choice of Occupation The caste system determines occupation of a person. In other words, members of a caste or a group of allied castes are expected to follow a certain occupation. The association of a caste with an occupation.
6.Restrictions on Marriage The caste system imposes severe restrictions on marriage outside one s own caste. In other words, a caste forbids its members to marry persons outside it. Thus, caste is endogamous. Thank you..
