The Caste System
(Group 3) 13-14
The Caste System
The Bhramin
The Brahmin's traditional occupation is that of a priest. Brahmins have a variety of occupations. In Orissa, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, many Brahmin own land and practice agriculture, but an increasing number are also in whit-collar jobs, government service, business, household industry and astrology.
The Kshatriyas
This class had many privileges such as being able to eat meat ,excluding beef, and being able to have alcoholic beverages. The members of this class were surrounded by palaces, multiple wives or concubines, fine horses and falcons, and the pleasures of cooked meat. The children born into this class were extensively educated in statecraft and history to insure that they were well prepared to rule the community.
The Vaishya
The Sudra
The Untouchables
Although "untouchability" was outlawed in 1950, the caste members still face discrimination. 90% of all poor Indians and 95% of all illiterate Indians are Dalits. In 2000, 25,455 crimes were committed against the untouchables. The statics show how hard of a life these people still face. Every two hours two Dalits are assaulted, every three days three Dalit women are raped, two Dalits are murdered, and two Dalit homes are torched.