Castes and Women in Hinduism

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the power of the Hindu religion in subjugating lower castes and women and asserts that, even if supposedly divinely decreed, this subjugation is not right and contradicts the notion of universal human rights.

From the Paper:

"The caste system, as determined by Hinduism, first appeared in the Upanishads and was absorbed into Indian society around 500 BC. Basically, the caste system is used to separate all individuals in Indian society into separate, strictly regimented castes. The four castes are Brahmins, or priests, Kshatriyas, or warriors, Vaisyas, or producers, and Shudras, or servants. Below even the Shudras are outcastes, which included the untouchables. This last, unfortunate group consisted of the lowest, most unclean, most hopeless members of Indian society, if they could even be called members. Indeed, before walking down a street, they were required to announce their presence so others could move away and avoid being supposedly defiled by these untouchables."

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