How Caste System in India is Built and Main Features

Introduction

The Caste System is a hierarchy based on the perceived purity of individuals. It is similar to a social class structure that exists in many societies today. The Dalits, also known as "The Untouchables," occupy the lowest level in the Indian Caste System. I advocate for the abolition of the caste system in India to foster equality, eliminate religious segregation, and ensure fair protection from the police force.

How the Caste System in India is Built and Its Main Features

Dalit people are considered impure and are relegated to perform menial tasks that other caste members disdain. The Untouchables are outcasts who must reside in separate villages away from higher castes. Each day, many Dalit individuals face harassment and inhumane treatment. As noted in the article, "India’s 'Untouchables' Face Violence, Discrimination," Dalits are prohibited from drinking from the same wells, attending the same temples, wearing shoes in the presence of an upper caste, or using the same cups in tea stalls. This treatment is inescapable, as Dalit status is ascribed at birth due to their parents' caste.

The Dalit people endure severe beatings and humiliation due to being labeled as "impure." Statistics reveal the shocking extent of this mistreatment: "Every hour, two Dalits are assaulted; every day, three Dalit women are raped, two Dalits are murdered, and two Dalit homes are torched" (India’s “Untouchables” Face Violence, Discrimination). These unthinkable acts occur daily against defenseless individuals. The treatment of Dalits can be compared to the persecution of Jewish people during the Holocaust. Just as many Jews were sent to concentration camps, where they suffered similar abuses, Dalits in Indian society face relentless discrimination.

The Religious Basis of the Caste System

The entire Caste System is rooted in religious beliefs. At the top is the Brahmin class, comprising religious leaders and teachers. Next are the Kshatriyas, who include rulers and warriors. The Shudra class consists of laborers or servants to higher caste members. Each caste member believes that living a virtuous life will lead to a better reincarnation. Dalits, however, are considered outside the caste system and deemed "impure," preventing any physical contact with upper caste members. As stated in "Social Classes and Castes in Ancient India," Dalits had to step aside if approached by someone of a higher class, as contact was seen as "contaminating."

This religious segregation forces Dalit people to live in perpetual shame, affecting generations. The Untouchables must reside in exile, only entering other cities or villages at night to scavenge for food. According to "Social Classes and Castes in Ancient India," even the shadows of Untouchables were considered polluting, requiring them to announce their presence with loud noises. This systemic discrimination renders Dalits as less than equals.

Police and the Caste System

Police officers are supposed to protect and serve their communities impartially. However, in India, they often collude with the caste system. According to "India's 'Untouchables' Face Violence, Discrimination," police, village councils, and government officials often support the caste system, rooted in Hindu teachings. Consequently, many crimes against Dalits go unreported due to fear of reprisal, police intimidation, inability to pay bribes, or simply knowing the police will do nothing. In some cases, police officers participate in crimes against Untouchables, acting in collusion with upper castes. Smita Narula notes, "There have been large-scale abuses by the police, acting in collusion with upper castes, including raids, beatings in custody, failure to charge offenders or investigate reported crimes."

The police, who should protect Dalits, instead join in their mistreatment. This failure is starkly contrasted by the dedication of police forces elsewhere, such as during the 9/11 attacks, where officers risked and even sacrificed their lives to save others.

Conclusion

I urge the abolition of the caste system in India to achieve equality, end religious segregation, and ensure fair police protection. Dalits are human beings, just like any other caste members, and deserve to be treated as such. Granting rights to the Untouchables will only be possible if the caste system is entirely dismantled. In India, everyone should be treated equally, irrespective of their perceived "purity" or "impurity."

**References:**

- India’s “Untouchables” Face Violence, Discrimination. Human Rights Watch. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/reports/1999/india/
- Social Classes and Castes in Ancient India. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/article/1156/social-classes-and-castes-in-ancient-india/
- Narula, S. (1999). Broken People: Caste Violence Against India's "Untouchables". Human Rights Watch. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/reports/1999/india/