The Caste system is a description of the way the people in the Hindu society were divided on the basis of their talents and the corresponding vocations (Sarma); it was once supposedly devised to bring order, discipline and specialization. It "lays down social, moral and ethical precepts for the guidance of the people and formulates rules for observance of rites and ceremonies; it is absolutely binding on Hindus". (Walker 27) It typifies social conditions. (Klass 188). It however had a profound influence on the social life of the Hindus for over ages; a few examples of its negative influences on some sections of the society are oppression, ?untouchability' and denial of entry into religious places. While all those benefited by it sing its praises, those put to disadvantage curse it utterly. In other words, lower castes detest it with vengeance. (Walker 29)
This paper examines the origin of the caste system, its features and its status as of now. In other words, the social forces that introduced this system are traced; its characteristics are enumerated. Besides, the present status of the system which underwent changes over ages as any institution does will be described.
An ancient Hindu sage called Manu (called the law-giver) is the supposed author of a famous code of Hindu law and jurisprudence. (Walker 27). He, according to Sivananda, who lived 30 million years ago during the age of mental purity (age of truth) is said to have laid down this caste system in his code of laws called manu-smriti, the first of the three such codes, for the purpose of allotting duties to the persons in the society in correspondence with their abilities and aspirations. Manu dictated 100000 verses but now it stands abridged into 2685 verses divided into 12 books. (Walker 28 ...