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Casteism In India

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We have a multilingual and multicultural society. The idea of unity in diversity prevails in India but with this diversity arise many issues. Casteism is one of the problems that India has been facing for centuries now. Millions of Indians are still denied a life with dignity and equality just because of their caste. An individual’s caste with respect to his society is like the umbilical cord. This system of inherited occupation has sealed the fate of millions. Its origin is believed to be divine and is sanctioned by the sacred books of Hindus.
The term paper throws light on the origin of caste in India. It tries to highlight when caste discrimination became a “human rights” issue. Apart from this it also examines how people have been and still are being tortured and discriminated in the name of caste. Finally in conclusion some measures are given for the protection of their rights.
The word “caste” is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word “casta” which means “race, lineage or breed” and it was first employed by Portuguese when they came to India in 1498. The Hindu social order is not centered on the individual’s merit rather it recognizes class or Varna. It has four classes namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Today there is also a fifth class below Shudras which is known as Panchamas or Untouchables. According to Vedas, different classes originated from different parts of the divinity. The Brahmins from the mouth, Kshatriyas from the arms, Vaishyas

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