Sociological definition:
The caste system is a system of social organization rooted in
the occupation division of labor.
Religious/Philosophical System
Social System
Economic System
Concepts of karma, moksha, samsara
social organization into varna
jatis based on occupational criteria
Different Aspects
caste system is the sociological manifestation of the
underlying moral-philosophical
presuppositions of Hinduism. Hinduism and caste system inextricably tied.
Live according to dharma
Varna, social field within which humans have to strive for
life transcendence
Jati, social compartments through which humans pass in each
successive karmically
determined birth
Purusha sacrifice each section interdependent
Accomplishing moksha means end of the immersion in life processes
Perception the organisms create waste - greater immersion
in phenomenal work -
determined status
Economic implications - jajmani system
Hereditary nature restricts mobility. Therefore people resort to
renunciation or other
religious outlets.
System for 'Sanskritization'
Different groups and cultures could live together and be religiously
and economically
interdependent. Also for integration of peoples, from bottom.
Formation of new castes.