India's Caste System

The caste system in India was very complicated. Although there were only four main classes, Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and the Sudras, dictated by Brahmanical teachings there were in fact a myriad of other classes with which was used in the Indian caste system. India’s caste system was sustained for three main reasons as pointed out by McNell. The first indication being that it was of ceremonial purity which gave the higher class Brahmans more reason to avoid contact with those associating with a lower class, as McNell points out the Brahman held, “Fear of contaminating oneself by contact with a member of a lower “unclean” caste.” Because these higher class individuals wished to separate themselves for religious purposes, a caste system was used to avoid those of a lower standing within their society so that they may remain pure.

Many migrants from the forest areas accepted the caste system because other societies believed that they should become assimilated to their culture rather than the preservation of their own roots. The final reason the caste system in India was preserved was due to the doctrine of reincarnation and Varna. Reincarnation played an integral role in Indian culture, so it logically makes sense that it reinforces the caste system. McNell points out, “A man of unblemished life, born into the lowest caste system in India, could hope for rebirth high up the ladder. Conversely, a man of high case who failed to conform to proper standards could expect rebirth in a lower caste.” Reincarnation instilled hope, but also a sort of fear in those who lived within India’s caste