Which of the following are not the changes brought by colonialism to the caste system?a)Numbering and recording of castes through Censusb)Land revenue settlements serving the upper castes customary rightsc)Linking castes to traditional occupationsd)Marking of schedules of castes for special treatment by the stateCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Introduction:
The caste system in India is a social structure that divides people into different hierarchical groups based on their birth. Colonialism refers to the period when India was under British rule. During this time, the British brought about various changes in the social, economic, and political aspects of Indian society, including the caste system.

Explanation:
The changes brought by colonialism to the caste system are as follows:

1. Numbering and recording of castes through Census:
- The British introduced the practice of conducting regular censuses to gather data on the population.
- They started numbering and recording castes, which helped in categorizing and understanding the social structure.
- This process led to the formal recognition and documentation of various castes in India.

2. Land revenue settlements serving the upper castes customary rights:
- The British implemented land revenue settlements to establish their control over land and collect revenue.
- These settlements often favored the upper castes, who had traditionally held land and had customary rights over it.
- As a result, the upper castes benefited from these settlements, while the lower castes faced further marginalization and exploitation.

3. Linking castes to traditional occupations:
- The British linked castes to their traditional occupations, which further solidified the association between caste and occupation.
- This categorization by occupation made it easier for the British to administer and control the workforce in different sectors.
- It also led to the perpetuation of occupational stereotypes and limited social mobility for individuals belonging to lower castes.

4. Marking of schedules of castes for special treatment by the state:
- The British introduced the concept of 'scheduled castes' to identify and provide special treatment to marginalized groups.
- These scheduled castes were identified based on their socio-economic backwardness and were entitled to certain privileges and reservations.
- This categorization aimed to address historical discrimination and uplift the status of the lower castes in society.

Conclusion:
The changes brought by colonialism to the caste system in India included the numbering and recording of castes, land revenue settlements benefiting the upper castes, and the marking of schedules of castes for special treatment. However, the linking of castes to traditional occupations is not a change brought by colonialism. It was already an inherent aspect of the caste system in India and was perpetuated by both indigenous and colonial forces.

Answer

It has been a defining feature of caste. Castes were traditionally linked to occupations.

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