Abstract
In this article, the writer studies the caste system in India. The writer states that this system has long been a target of criticism and understandably so. The writer claims that by dividing people into desirable and undesirable people and by forbidding, at least in the abstract, intermarriage between various groups, the caste system undermines the essential human equality of all citizens and creates the grounds for ethnic and social tension. Further, the writer notes that for women especially the caste system is destructive, because it renders them little more than an adjunct to their husbands, while simultaneously denying them the freedom to share their lives with whom they wish.

From the Paper
"The general status of women is harmed by the caste system in additional ways that go beyond just the potential violence they must confront all-too-frequently. Ultimately, caste determines the type of social mixing permitted, the type of wells at which one can draw water and the types of technology rural inhabitants can use in tending to their lands. In addition, land is almost invariably in the hands of the Brahman elite and underlings are dependent upon their superiors for employment."

Tags:women, untouchables, caste

Abstract
This paper is about the Hindu Caste system, its orgins, its present status and the future of the social dictates of it. It explores the basic tenets of the Hindu religion, reincarnation, karma, and moksa and their relation to the four castes of Hindu society and the fith caste fo the untouchables. The present day status of India is reviewed regarding the constitutional prohibition against discrimination and the affirmative action requirements of including the lower castes into modern education and employment.

Tags:hindu, india, caste

Abstract
The paper relates that Premchand was one of the best known Modern Hindi authors of the 20th century, a pioneer focused on reformist stories advocating social justice that were very popular in his time. The purpose of this paper is to look at this novel, "Godaan", and how Premchand discusses the Indian caste system with its story.

Tags:caste, godaan, Brahmin, Premchand, Indian, hindu, novel

Abstract
The paper analyzes and compares three historians' exploration of the distinctive, ancient origins and purposes of the Hindu caste system from the early 19th to the late 20th centuries. The paper looks at Julius Lipner's "Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices", John Hutton's "Caste in India" and James Mill's "The History of British India". The paper shows how each historian approached the subject in different manners, utilizing contrasting sources and historical philosophies, in order to establish their respective viewpoints.

Outline:
Julius Lipner's "Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices" (1994)
John Hutton's "Caste in India" (1946)
James Mill's "The History of British India" (1817)
Conclusion

From the Paper
"As human beings, we attempt with varying degrees of success to understand the multiple paradigms of existence that shape our lives in both subtle and profound ways. These paradigms manifest themselves as society, religion, economics, politics, and in other ways that constitute our reality. For the modern historian, it is an impossible yet persistent goal to step back from these various paradigms and describe and interpret events of the past with full objectivity. The impossibility of objectivity, at least in historical scholarship, stems from the inability to completely separate oneself from one's emotions, prejudices, and overall context in time. Indeed, total objectivity implies the unfeasible detachment from the characteristics of our humanness. To believe in the ability to attain full objectivity in historical study and authorship is to imagine human history as a science with clear cause and effect relationships."

Tags:Brahmins, purity, morality, class, society

Abstract
The paper describes the history of the caste system in India, depicting the levels and ranks of the system and their interaction with each other. The paper shows how, in modern India, the traditions of caste are different in villages and in urban areas. The paper discusses how there are still many instances of discrimination based on caste, but concludes that the people of India may soon realize that the human rights of its indigenous population are an important part of the balance of a democracy.

Outline:
Introduction
Levels/Ranks
Intercaste Relations
Changes in the System
Village Vs. Urban
Conclusion

From the Paper
"India is one of the most fascinating countries in the entire world. It has a culture teeming with attractive fashions, exotic foods, interesting religions, and much more. Some even say that India is becoming the "new Hollywood," as so-called Bollywood movies are becoming more and more popular. India is also one of the largest political democracies in the world. However, behind the glamour of this exotic society lie many things that tourists usually fail to see. Most of the people of India live in conditions of poverty, usually forced on them by their places in religious or class systems. Although India has become independent from the British, and has become a democratic society, it "... is a hierarchical society... in daily life there is little advocacy of or adherence to notions of equality.""

Tags:traditions, discrimination, intercaste, relations, levels, ranks, democracy

Abstract
The paper relates that India has a socially ingrained and structured system, the caste system, that inculcates and perpetuates differences and inequality. The paper discusses how those in the higher and more respected castes often receive more social status and recognition while those in the lowest castes are subject to a life of poverty and social denial from which they cannot escape. The paper explains, however, that the problems underlying the inequalities perpetuated by the caste system are closely linked to religious views, which makes them difficult to eradicate.

From the Paper
"The term caste refers to "... ranked, named, endogamous (in-marrying) groups, membership in which is achieved by birth. "(India Caste system, ancient India Caste System) There are literarily thousands of different castes and sub-castes in India. They are also extremely complex in their structure and can be kinship based and also interdependent with other groups. Castes are, "...linked in complex ways with networks that stretch across regions and throughout the nation." (India Caste system, ancient India Caste System)"

Tags:Hinduism, discrimination, structure, status

Abstract
The paper details the history of India's caste system. The paper discusses the system of social class in modern India and how it is detrimental to the incorporation of democracy into Indian society. The paper maintains that the people of India should advocate more changes to dissolve the harshest cultural traditions, so as to enforce equality and better the lives of their citizens.

Outline:
Introduction
Caste System
Government Not Doing Enough
Lingering Traditions
Government Should Campaign for Attitude Change
Government Should Better Enforce Equality
Conclusion

From the Paper
"India is one of the most fascinating countries in the entire world. It has a culture teeming with attractive fashions, exotic foods, interesting religions, and much more. However, behind the glamour of this exotic society lie many things that tourists usually fail to see. Although India has become independent from the British, and has become a democratic society, it "... is a hierarchical society... in daily life there is little advocacy of or adherence to notions of equality." Most of the people of India live in conditions of poverty, usually forced on them by their places in religious or class systems. As India continues to move toward adopting Western principles in politics and technology, its people need to realize that the human rights of its indigenous population are an important part of the balance of a democracy, because as long as there are still vestiges of the caste system present in Indian society, then its people will not be prepared for modernization to take place. Therefore, the government should be taking more steps to ensure the dissolution of traditional Indian hierarchy and promoting a more encompassing move toward liberal democracy."

Tags:equality, tradition, culture, social, consciousness, discrimination

Abstract
The paper reviews how Nelson Reed in "The Caste War of Yucatan" explores the conflict between the indigenous peoples and the Ladino of the region following Mexico's independence from Spain and up through the beginning of the twentieth century. The paper describes how Reed compares the opposing world views of the Ladinos and Maya, the increasing conflicts over land use and abuse of the native populations at the hands of the Ladinos, the merciless tactics employed by both sides during the war and the development of the "Talking Cross" cult.

From the Paper
"Nelson Reed's book, The Caste War of Yucatan explores the conflict between the indigenous peoples and the Ladino (or Spanish descendants) of the region following Mexico's independence from Spain and up through the beginning of the twentieth century. Using primarily Ladino sources, he addresses the cultural conflict of the opposing sides, the accumulating pressures leading up to the outbreak of war, the brutal nature of the warfare itself, as well as the development and significance of the "Talking Cross" movement among the Maya during this period. While the scarcity of Mayan sources, coupled with an absence of footnotes serves to weaken the validity of Reed's work, this weakness is countered by the author's attention to the contributing cultural factors and the influence of the "Talking Cross" among the Maya combatants."

Tags:Maya, Ladinos, Cruzob, natives, Talking Cross

Abstract
This paper explores the caste system in Indian society, focusing on the lowest class of humans, the 'chandalas' or the 'untouchables' who are the mixed offspring of different castes. The paper provides an historical background of the caste system which came into being around 600-664CE. It then looks at the situation of the untouchables who are denied many social and religious privileges and the role the Indian government plays in trying to intervene to overcome this discrimination. The paper discusses the future of the caste system, especially the situation of the disadvantaged.

From the Paper
"The longevity of the caste system is rooted in traditional Hindu thinking. The caste system was not born overnight, but had evolved over three millennia, adapting to the innumerable migrations and invasions of diverse peoples, before becoming what it is today (Paz 44). Thus, the Indian government has an uphill battle in attempting to overturn the prejudices of the caste system. Apart from increasing the quotas of the jobs to the backward classes and the scheduled castes, the government should improve their access to education ("Casting" 18). Currently, only 62% of Indians complete primary education with less than half enrolled in secondary school. In order to promote the causes of the disadvantaged classes, education will be a key factor in enabling them to rise above the prejudices of the caste system. Furthermore, with the rise of urbanization and Western influence, the power of the caste system has diminished in the cities. In the distant future, the ideal Indian society can be created?one that respects the essential role of the caste system in endowing each individual with a sense of lineage and identity, without the dire discrimination perpetrated against the backward classes and the scheduled castes."

Tags:Rig, Veda, Purusa, Manu, Hsuan, Tsang, Hinduism

Abstract
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."

Tags:ancient, religion, india, sacred, faith, dharma, life, thought, vedas, upanishads, scripture, believe, rewards, punishments, reincarnation