Social Stratification In Medieval India

Social stratification is a process in which the individuals are separated into different groups according to their status, power and prestige. In other words social stratification can be defined as the division of humans based on their socio economic rankings in their society such as ethnic, race, gender, wealth and income.

Characteristics Of Social Stratification:

The stratification has some of the defining characteristics.

1. The stratification of society or social stratification is universal. Every form of society has some form of socio economic stratification.
2. The stratification process is a cumulative one. In other words social stratification becomes worse with time.
3. The stratification is social. The social stratification is constructed socially and also applicable to larger society. There are two parts. The inequalities brought are different from natural distinctions between people. Social stratification is applicable to the entire society and not only for the individual person or member of the society.
4. Social stratification has few consequences. It makes the resources available and accessible for only a few groups, while restricting others from the usage of the same resources.

Social Stratification In Indian Society:

India has been famous all over the world for its diversity. The Indian country is home for crores of people of different caste, religion and languages. Although this diversity may lead to problems sometimes. The stratification is one of the greatest social evils.

G.S.Ghurye, a famous Indian sociologist explained six main features of the Indian caste system.

1.First is the segmental division of the society.This is a process which divides the society into various groups based on their birth.Regardless of the individual economic status a person is still considered as backward based on his/her birth.

2.After the ensurity of segregation, These people are grouped into social hierarchies. They are divided as higher and lower in social positions.

3.Food and social interaction between different groups of people.These social stratification put rules on what people should eat,drink.Breaking of the rules given is often considered as polluting the social hierarchy.

4.Occupation also plays a vital role in sustaining the status.They do not give freedom to people to choose their own occupation.

Four Varnas Of Hinduism:

• Brahmins
• Kshatriyas
• Vaishyas
• shudras.

Brahmins:

The word brahmins has a meaning of “supreme self”. It can also be defined as the first of gods.Brahmin is considered as the highest of all castes in hinduism. In brahmins only few of them work as a priests others work as educators, lawmakers,doctors, writers etc.Most of the brahmins are in northern states of uttar pradesh and andhra pradesh and few in numbers in southern states like karnataka,tamilnadu and kerala. Traditionally, the brahmins are supposed or trained to become priests. But they occupy a large number of occupations in modern days.Thus overall the brahmins hold a highest position in Indian society and they are considered or believed as smart and influential.

Kshatriyas:

The kshatriyas is derived from the word kshatra which means power and authority.It is considered as the second varna in the social hierarchy.The brahmins and kshatriyas makes the upper class.The main duty of them is to fight in the wars.Their main roles is to protect their citizens from the harm.They are also responsible in protecting the dharma.The two primary roles of the kshatriyas is to govern the lands and to fight in wars.The male child of the kshatriyas is considered as the symbol of their masculinity whereas the female child should be well behaved and disciplined.

Vaishyas:

They are considered as the third in the order of the social hierarchy.Their main occupations are agriculture,taking care of cattles and trade.The vaishyas are almost degraded to the shudra community.There was no difference between them and they were treated as the slaves.

Shudras:

The shudra varna is also considered to be as not knowledgeable.They are prevented from performing upanayanam.The shudra composed of a large number of people.It includes or involves peoples who were maids,sweepers ,barbers and waiters.

Conclusion

This article has clearly explained about the different caste system in Hinduism in Olden times. Now everyone has rights to do anything.So let’s forget our diversity and live with unity.