Justification For Hindu Caste-System

The Hindu caste system probably came into existence around 3500 years ago due to various factors. It brought together people from diverse backgrounds under a social contract to live together and ensure order and regularity of society and polity. Somehow the system was accepted as a workable solution to ensure peaceful coexistence of diverse groups to live together and share social and economic privileges as dictated by their faith. In the early days of its origin, castes ensured stability and continuity of large populations in a rapidly changing environment, at a time when small republics, rural and pastoral communities and provincial principalities (janapadas) were giving way to large empires, well organized administrative systems and powerful monarchies. However, on the flipside, the caste system legitimized and institutionalized widespread discrimination of certain groups and communities as an acceptable and justifiable practice. It was not without consequences. In this discussion we will focus upon a few aspects of Hindu caste system.