Page 2 - Mind Map

&food sharing, caste being traditionally linked to occupations and
it being arranged in a hierarchy of rank and status

Features of caste:

 Caste is determined by birth. A child is born into the caste of its
parents. Caste is never matter of choice.

 Membership in a caste involves strict rules about marriage. Caste
groups are "endogamous", i.e., marriage is restricted to members of the

group.
 Caste membership also involves rules about food and food sharing.
Kinds of food may or may not be eaten is prescribed.

 Caste involves a system consisting of many castes arranged in a
hierarchy of rank and status.

 Castes also involve sub-divisions with themselves. This is referred to
as a segmental organisation.
 Castes were traditionally linked to occupations. A person born into a

caste could only practice the occupation associated with that caste.
Theoretical interpretation of caste:
 Caste is a combination of two sets of principles —

(1) Difference and separation. The scriptual rules ranging from marriage,
food sharing to occupation prevents the mixing of castes.
(2) Wholism and hierarchy: the hierarchical division of caste, on the

other hand is based on the distinction between "purity and pollution."

In the caste system, Endogamy is the practice of marrying within the

caste. Exogamy is the practice of marrying outside the clan or gotra.

A proprietary caste group is a group that owns most of the resources
and can command labor to work for them.

Caste panchayats are panchayats which are controlled by the dominant

group and represent their interests, needs & demands. Primarily decision
making is controlled by the upper caste, rich landlords and landed
peasants.

Colonialism and Caste:
 Institution of caste underwent major change during colonial period.