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India


            Caste, derived from the Portuguese, meaning a system of rigid social stratification, is the distinct system in which India depends on for its social order. This regulation of the peoples has been the base of their society since 200 B.C, when the "Code of Manu" laid down the divisions and duties of each member. Although their have been many classes throughout history none have had such strict classifications of its citizens and none have found it as impossible to change a persons place in the age old tradition of life. .
             The social hierarchy that is the caste system is referred to in early Sanskrit writings in the Indian holy book the Rig Veda. In the beginning there was the main fourfold divisions referred to as Varna. Starting with the Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Viaishyas, and finally the Sudras. The outcastes or "untouchables" were the despised bottom of the rung. Today, however, the system is broken up into hundreds of "jati" meaning sub-castes. In the words of one prominent Indian publicist, "The fourfold caste is merely a theoretical division of society it is a sociological fiction." The majority of these jati are the result in inter-caste marriages. There is an estimate of 3,000 castes and sub-castes effective today in India. These castes and sub-castes do not marry, eat, celebrate, or associate with each other. .
             The societal classes can also be categorized in that of the twice born, once born, and untouchables. The twice born including the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaisya, are those who possessed a physical and spiritual birth. The once born are the Sudras, or those who lack a spiritual birth. During the spiritual birth of the twice born each caste is given a different kind of thread, based on their social status. The highest is cotton, hemp, and then wool. .
             The first class contains the Brahman, said to have emerged from the mouth of God. To say they "posses the Brahman" is knowledge that they have sacred religious power.


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