Theories of Origin of Caste System | Anthropology Optional for UPSC PDF Download

The Divine Origin of Caste

• As per the ‘Purusha Sukta’ in Rig Veda, the people belong to four main castes (varnas) constituting the four body parts of the purush (the creator). The Brahmin was his (pursha’s) mouth, the Rajanya (kshatriya) was his arms, the Vaisya was this thigh; and the shudra sprang from his feet. This view has also been expressed in most of Dharma-Shastras, smirities and Puranas. Manu, whose pronouncement is vited as an authority, also supported this view. In the Bhagwad Gita it is stated that the four fold division of castes was created by god according to appointment of qualities and duties.

Karma and Transmigration Theory

• The various conditions of men, the highest, the middling, and the lowest are caused by karma. One’s status in life is determined by ones action (karma) in past incarnations. Whatever a man enjoys or suffers is a result of his own actions. His bad actions would bear bitter fruit, whether they were done overtly or covertly. In consequence of many sinful acts committed by one’s body, voice or mind, that individual in the next birth would become a bird, or a beast, or be born as a low caste person respectively.

Racial Theory

• According to the Racial theory propounded by Herbert Risley in his book ‘The People of India’ racial differences and endogamous marriages lead to the origin of the caste system. According to him, caste system developed after emigration of IndoAryans from Persia where the society was divided into four classes—priests, warriors, cultivators and artisans and this they maintained even after coming here. They differed from the non-Aryans in culture and racial tracts. So in order to maintain their superior status they started practicing hyper gamy and imposed restriction on ‘Pratiloma’ marriages.

Occupational Theory

Occupational theory propounded by Nesfield advocates occupation as the lone factor for the development of this system. According to him, before this system priesthood was not the exclusive monopoly of Brahmins. But later on when hymns and rituals became more complex, a section of people got themselves specialized and became the Brahmins. Due to importance of sacrifices such people came to be more respected. Later they made this occupation hereditary. Chappel and Coon trace the origin of castes to the absorption of aboriginal types, and they also explain the formation of new castes with reference to the emergence of new occupations.

Political Theory

According to this theory, the Brahmins wanted to have a full control over the society in order to curb and rule them. So, their political interest created a caste system in India. Nibey Dubais, a French scholar, originally put forward this theory that was also supported by Indian thinkers such as Dr. Ghurey.

Evolutionary 

Theory

According to exponents of this theory, it is wrong to believe that castes came into being all of a sudden. It is the result of a long process of social evolution. They also argue that gradually and slowly many factors contributed to it. Some such factors which contributed in it included desire for purity of blood, devotion to a particular profession, theory of Karma and system of ancestral worship, colour prejudices, economics systems, conquest of one army by the other and geographical location and isolation. Their role differed from time to time but all these factors combined together helped in the emergence and strengthening of the caste system.

Conclusion

• The origins of the caste system in India are complex and multifaceted. Various theories have been proposed to explain its development, including the Divine Origin theory, which states that castes were created by the creator and have a spiritual basis; the Karma and Transmigration theory, which emphasizes the role of one's past actions in determining their caste; the Racial theory, which attributes the caste system to racial differences and endogamous marriages; the Occupational theory, which connects caste with the hereditary nature of certain professions; the Political theory, which sees the caste system as a means for the Brahmins to maintain control over society; and the Evolutionary theory, which views the caste system as a result of multiple factors and a long process of social evolution.
• These theories provide different perspectives on the origins of the caste system, and it is likely that multiple factors contributed to its development and persistence over time. Understanding these various theories can help us appreciate the complexity of the caste system and its deep-rooted impact on Indian society.