04. Caste System Flashcards

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1
Q

What diverse geographical features does India possess?

A

Mountains, forests, hills, valleys, deserts, and fertile plains.

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2
Q

What does the phrase “Kashmir to Kanyakumari” emphasize?

A

The vast range of geographical diversity across India.

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3
Q

Why is India called an “Ethnological Museum”?

A

Due to its mixed racial composition, with six main recognized races: Negritos, Proto Australoids, Mongoloids, Mediterranean, Western Brachycephals, and Nordics.

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4
Q

What does S.S. Dube state about India’s population?

A

That it represents a varying degree of racial admixture.

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5
Q

How does the phrase “Museum of tongues” describe India’s linguistic diversity?

A

It suggests a vast and diverse collection of languages.

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6
Q

How many languages are in the 8th schedule and how many classical languages does India have?

A

22 languages in the 8th schedule and 6 classical languages (Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, Odia, Malayalam, and Telugu).

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7
Q

How many dialects are spoken in India, and what is the potential downside of language diversity?

A

More than 1600 dialects, with the possibility of conflict.

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8
Q

Is India a theocratic society? What does “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” signify?

A

No, India is not theocratic. Sarva Dharma Sambhava means equal respect and recognition for all religions.

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9
Q

Which eight mainstream religions are practiced in India?

A

Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism.

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10
Q

Do tribal groups have their own religious practices?

A

Yes, many tribal groups have unique faith and practices, some foreign and some local.

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11
Q

How does India blend traditional and modern culture?

A

Through diverse food habits, clothing, customs, norms, values, rituals, beliefs, family structures, and marital systems.

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12
Q

What factors have contributed to India’s socio-cultural diversity?

A

Immigration, invasions, interaction with foreign cultures, and globalization.

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13
Q

What is social stratification?

A

Division of people into different groups based on factors like caste, class, or tribe.

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14
Q

Why is India considered to have high stratificational diversity?

A

Due to the presence of numerous castes, tribes, and classes.

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15
Q

How does India’s diverse nature enrich the country’s identity and heritage?

A

(Open-ended question for reflection and discussion.)

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16
Q

What is the most unique feature of Indian society?

A

Caste system

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17
Q

How does caste define traditional social order?

A

Castes are ranked in a hierarchy, with some considered superior to others.

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18
Q

Are there many castes in India?

A

Yes, there are innumerable castes, each with its own subcastes.

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19
Q

Is caste exclusive to Hindus?

A

No, caste is present in other communities like Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs as well.

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20
Q

How is caste acquired?

A

Caste membership is determined by birth.

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21
Q

Are there different levels within the same caste?

A

Yes, the caste system has numerous layers of stratification.

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22
Q

What is the origin of the word “caste”?

A

There are two possible origins: Spanish “casta” (lineage/race) and Latin “castus” (purity).

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23
Q

What is the connection between caste and Hinduism?

A

The four ancient categories of the caste system (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) are mentioned in the Rig Veda.

24
Q

How does “varnas” differ from “jati”?

A

Varnas refers to the four main divisions, while Jati is a broader term encompassing all castes and subcastes.

25
Q

What is the significance of “Jana by birth” in the definition of Jati?

A

It emphasizes that caste is inherited and unchangeable.

26
Q

What are some of the challenges faced by the caste system in modern India?
How are affirmative action policies trying to address caste-based discrimination?
What are some ongoing debates surrounding the caste system?

A

Do your own

27
Q

How is society divided in the caste system?

A

Segments based on birth

28
Q

Can you change your caste?

A

No, but you can be expelled

29
Q

What happens if you are expelled from your caste?

A

You lose your caste privileges

30
Q

What is the basic social principle of the caste system?

A

Hierarchy

31
Q

How is this hierarchy represented?

A

Ladder, with upper and lower castes

32
Q

Give an example of upper and lower castes in the hierarchy.

A

Brahmins - Dalits

33
Q

How are different castes ranked in the caste system?

A

Pure at the top, impure at the bottom

34
Q

What does “pure” mean in the context of caste?

A

High status, deserving of respect

35
Q

What does “impure” mean in the context of caste?

A

Low status, associated with pollution

36
Q

How does the notion of purity and pollution affect people’s lives?

A

Determines privileges and punishments

37
Q

What are some restrictions placed on different caste groups?

A

Contact, dining

38
Q

Why are these restrictions imposed?

A

To maintain purity

39
Q

Who benefits from these restrictions?

A

Upper castes

40
Q

Who is harmed by these restrictions?

A

Lower castes

41
Q

Q: What are some of the justifications given for the caste system?
Q: How do these features of the caste system impact social mobility?
Q: What are some arguments against the caste system?

A

Do your own

42
Q

What does manual scavenging involve?

A

Manually removing untreated human excreta from dry toilets or pit latrines

43
Q

Is it a legal practice in India?

A

No, it has been officially banned since 2013

44
Q

Why does manual scavenging still exist?

A

Several factors contribute, including infrastructure issues

45
Q

How many insanitary latrines are there in India?

A

Around 26 million

46
Q

What type of toilets are most often used for manual scavenging?

A

Dry latrines

47
Q

What is the government’s role in addressing manual scavenging?

A

Providing sanitation facilities and rehabilitation for workers

48
Q

Are there enough opportunities for manual scavengers to find other jobs?

A

Often limited, leading to continued reliance on this dangerous work

49
Q

How does social stigma play a role in manual scavenging?

A

Caste-based discrimination and exclusion

50
Q

What are the health risks associated with manual scavenging?

A

Exposure to human waste, infections, respiratory problems

51
Q

What are some long-term consequences for manual scavengers and their families?

A

Poverty, poor health, limited education

52
Q

What can be done to end manual scavenging completely?

A

Eradication of dry latrines, investment in sanitation infrastructure, education and awareness campaigns

53
Q

Can you name an organization working to eradicate manual scavenging?

A

Safai Karmachari Andolan, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

54
Q

What are some individual actions people can take to combat manual scavenging?

A

Advocate for sanitation rights, challenge discrimination, support relevant organizations

55
Q

Imagine a future India without manual scavenging. What would it look like?

A

Safe sanitation for all, equal opportunities, eradicated stigma