Caste

So, I was browsing digg.com when I came upon a delightful article on how the ancient Vedic texts mention nothing of caste that one is born into. I thought this would be an interesting addition to my earlier article, “Caste, Simplified?” Regarding the formation of caste by the British and their Indian collaborators. I don’t really know anything about Vedic texts or Sanskrit, so I can’t corroborate, but I thought it was extremely interesting and the author seems pretty knowledgeable of the language and translation.

Alright, I’ve heard so many misconceptions on this subject that I thought it deserved a little blog…

The caste system of India is looked on by many as a primitive leftover from the ancient past of India, oppressive, backwards, and needing reform. I’ve read a few news articles lately regarding how the current south-asian tech boom is slowly changing the rigidity of the caste system as companies prefer hiring based on ability rather than caste. Now, I’m not really going to go into that issue, sure all cultures are in a state of constant change, albeit some faster than others. However, the caste system itself–as we understand it–is a product of change. Particularly change wrought by the colonial system.

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