Digest Number 2329-Caste System

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friends,

In my understanding caste system was not introduced by any authority as

such, but grew organically by social requirement. Like in the present

day world, people doing the same work join together to form unions to

help each other and the group, in olden times also such groups formed

for their own good as also for society's good. This division of labour

was for every one's good as it developed expertise in every field of

activity. The System worked very well without any feeling of

inferiority or animosity till the country was subjugated by foreigners.

The shastras have never supported the heridity caste system. It got

vitiated after foreign invaders started their concerted attacks on

Hinduism and Hindu Society. It was then a question of survival, and

anything considered necessary to safeguard it was adopted.

Since Hinduism is a way of life (not just a religion as it is

understood in the West), it naturally is involved in all that human

being does and when he does.

Vedanta does not talk about caste system at all.

I too look forward to expert views of Shri Jay on the subject.

Thanks

Chetan Merani