New Castes and Hierarchies
In India, the clan and caste structure has been in place since ancient times. Even these systems, however, have evolved over time. Castes based on people's occupations, which became known as Jatis, were one such unusual evolution. India is known for being a diversified country with roots that can be traced back hundreds of years. Many people struggle to comprehend the pervasiveness of hierarchy in our culture. Let's start with some background information on India's class, caste, and hierarchy.
The hierarchical society began in the family unit, with men ranking higher than women regardless of age. Not only that, but the older members of the family have a higher status than the younger members of the family. When it comes to hierarchy in India, the social grouping that comes to mind is Caste. Groups and castes were assigned to people based on their social standing and vocation. Brahmins as priests, Kshatriyas as kings, Vaishyas as merchants or farmers, and Shudras as artisans or servants were the four primordial Castes.
Indian Settlements in Hierarchy: Emergence of New Castes
People will demand new talents as the economy and society evolve. As a result, lesser castes or "jatis" began to arise within varnas. The Brahmanas appeared among the new castes, just as the Brahmanas did. Apart from these new tribes, several social groupings were incorporated into society and granted the status of jatis, which was based on a caste system.
Different jatis were assigned to specialized artisans groups like carpenters, masons, and smiths by the Brahmanas. However, rather than varnas, jatis became the primary organizing principle in society. New Rajput clans within the Kshatriyas were powerful and continued to flourish throughout the 11th and 12th centuries, belonging to various lineages. They were known as Hubas, Chandelas, Chalukyas, and others, some of whom had previously been tribes.
These clans were known as Rajputs, and they were progressively supplanted by older monarchs as a developed society emerged, with rulers continuing to increase their wealth in order to build a powerful state.
The Rajput clans' steady development and expansion to the position of rulers set an example for the tribal people to follow. Other tribes became part of the caste system as a result of the Brahmanas' backing, eventually joining the ruling classes. However, the majority of them were caste members of the lowest jatis.
Not only that, but the Isla had been adopted by many tribes, including those in the Punjab, Sind, and the North-West Frontier. As a result, many of them continued to oppose the caste system and denied that the orthodox Hindus would tolerate an unequal social order.
Four Castes in India
According to the caste hierarchy in India, the Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (rulers, administrators, and warriors), Vaishyas (artisans, merchants, tradesmen, and farmers), and Shudras (workers, merchants, and farmers) were the four classes (labouring classes). Each Varna has its own set of life principles to follow, and infants must adhere to the Varna's core customs, norms, conduct, and beliefs.
The Dalits, or untouchables, were the lowest caste, handling meat and rubbish, though there is significant controversy about whether this caste existed in antiquity. This caste system appeared to be only a reflection of one's vocation at first, but it was eventually considered to be decided by one's birth, and one was not allowed to change castes or marry into a caste other than one's own. This concept reflected the belief in a superior deity who imposed an eternal order on human life.
During the Vedic period, which lasted from 1500 to 1000 BCE, the caste system was implemented and recognized in ancient India. People were divided into castes depending on their Varna in order to decongest one's life's responsibilities, protect a caste's purity, and establish eternal order.
The belief in the attainment of moksha by diligent behaviour is the underlying cause for adhering to Varna’s responsibilities. Belief in Karma strengthens one's belief in the Varna life ideals. According to the Vedas, it is a human's ideal duty to seek freedom from subsequent birth and death and to relieve oneself of soul transmigration, which is feasible if one follows the responsibilities and principles of one's appropriate Varna. Consistent intrusion on others' life obligations, according to the Vedas, leads to an unstable society.
The fourfold character of society is made up of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, each with its own set of life responsibilities and ideal disposition. The men of the first three hierarchical societies are known as the twice-born; first, they are born of their parents, and then, after the holy thread initiation they wear over their shoulders, they are born of their guru. The Vedas appear to be the forerunners of the Varna system, which was later extended and altered in the Upanishads and Dharma Shastras.
The Brahmins, who were mostly teachers and intellectuals and thought to have come from Brahma's head, were at the top of the hierarchy. The Kshatriyas, or warriors and kings, appeared next, apparently from his arms. The Vaishyas, or traders, who were produced from his thighs, took third place. The Shudras, who descended from Brahma's foot and performed all of the menial tasks, were at the bottom of the stack. The primary castes were further subdivided into around 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on a certain occupation.
Conclusion
Thus, in this article we have covered a change in the society structure that led to development of hierarchy of the caste system. In today's world, the caste system is also very prominent and people are very sensitive about their castes and sometimes it leads to many issues. Though untouchability has been abolished and conditions of lower level people have been improved than before, a lot of social improvement is still required.
FAQs on Changing Society New Castes and Hierarchies
1. What does the term 'changing society with new castes and hierarchies' mean in the context of medieval India?
In the context of medieval India, 'changing society with new castes and hierarchies' refers to the significant social transformations that occurred. As the economy and society grew more complex, people were grouped into smaller castes or jatis based on their occupations and backgrounds. These jatis became the primary basis for organizing society, creating new social ranks and hierarchies that were more detailed than the original four-varna system.
2. What was the main difference between a caste-based society and a tribal society as per the Class 7 syllabus?
The main differences between a caste-based society and a tribal society were based on social structure and customs. A caste-based society was:
- Divided by the strict rules of varna and jati, prescribed by Brahmanas.
- Characterised by sharp social and economic divisions.
- Was united by kinship ties, where families and clans were the basis of social organisation.
- Did not follow the social rules of the caste system and often had their own distinct culture, traditions, and gods.
- Relied mainly on agriculture, hunting, and gathering, sharing resources collectively.
3. What key factors led to the rise of new jatis and hierarchies in medieval society?
Several factors contributed to the emergence of new jatis and social hierarchies. The most important were:
- Economic Expansion: The growth of agriculture, crafts, and trade created new professions and specialisations. People with similar skills, like smiths, carpenters, and masons, were organised into their own jatis.
- Social Mobility: Powerful tribes and clans sought a higher social status. By adopting the customs of the ruling classes and with the support of Brahmanas, they were often recognised as new castes, such as the Rajputs.
- Inclusion of New Peoples: As kingdoms expanded, they absorbed new people and tribal communities, who were then assigned a jati status within the larger caste society.
4. Can you give some examples of new castes or jatis that emerged during this period?
Yes, many new castes or jatis appeared during the medieval period. Among the Kshatriyas, new Rajput clans like the Chauhans, Solankis, and Chandellas became powerful. Among the artisans, specialized groups like the Panchalas or Vishwakarma community, which included goldsmiths, bronzesmiths, blacksmiths, masons, and carpenters, emerged as distinct jatis. Similarly, castes like the Kayasthas (scribes and secretaries) also gained prominence due to their administrative roles.
5. How did the support of Brahmanas help new rulers gain social acceptance and power?
The support of Brahmanas was crucial for new rulers to gain legitimacy and social acceptance. Many new kings belonged to tribal clans or groups not originally considered Kshatriyas. The Brahmanas would perform religious rituals and create genealogies (real or mythical) that linked these new rulers to prestigious lineages like the solar (surya-vansha) or lunar (chandra-vansha) dynasties. This religious and social validation helped establish their right to rule in the eyes of the public, solidifying their position in the social hierarchy.
6. Why did a person's birth become more important than their occupation in determining their jati?
While jatis were initially based on occupations, birth became the dominant factor over time to maintain social order and hierarchy. This system ensured that the privileges and status of the higher castes were preserved and passed down through generations. A hereditary system was less flexible and prevented people from lower jatis from easily moving up the social ladder, thus reinforcing the power and dominance of the established ruling and priestly classes. This made the caste system more rigid and hierarchical.
7. How did the status of tribal groups change when they became part of the caste-based society?
When tribal groups were integrated into caste-based society, their status underwent significant change. The leading tribal families often joined the ruling Kshatriya class after gaining power and land. The majority of the tribal population, however, were typically placed in the lower jatis. They lost some of their cultural independence and had to adopt the rules and norms of the caste system, which often placed them at the bottom of the social and economic hierarchy.
