04. Caste System Flashcards
(55 cards)
What diverse geographical features does India possess?
Mountains, forests, hills, valleys, deserts, and fertile plains.
What does the phrase “Kashmir to Kanyakumari” emphasize?
The vast range of geographical diversity across India.
Why is India called an “Ethnological Museum”?
Due to its mixed racial composition, with six main recognized races: Negritos, Proto Australoids, Mongoloids, Mediterranean, Western Brachycephals, and Nordics.
What does S.S. Dube state about India’s population?
That it represents a varying degree of racial admixture.
How does the phrase “Museum of tongues” describe India’s linguistic diversity?
It suggests a vast and diverse collection of languages.
How many languages are in the 8th schedule and how many classical languages does India have?
22 languages in the 8th schedule and 6 classical languages (Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, Odia, Malayalam, and Telugu).
How many dialects are spoken in India, and what is the potential downside of language diversity?
More than 1600 dialects, with the possibility of conflict.
Is India a theocratic society? What does “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” signify?
No, India is not theocratic. Sarva Dharma Sambhava means equal respect and recognition for all religions.
Which eight mainstream religions are practiced in India?
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism.
Do tribal groups have their own religious practices?
Yes, many tribal groups have unique faith and practices, some foreign and some local.
How does India blend traditional and modern culture?
Through diverse food habits, clothing, customs, norms, values, rituals, beliefs, family structures, and marital systems.
What factors have contributed to India’s socio-cultural diversity?
Immigration, invasions, interaction with foreign cultures, and globalization.
What is social stratification?
Division of people into different groups based on factors like caste, class, or tribe.
Why is India considered to have high stratificational diversity?
Due to the presence of numerous castes, tribes, and classes.
How does India’s diverse nature enrich the country’s identity and heritage?
(Open-ended question for reflection and discussion.)
What is the most unique feature of Indian society?
Caste system
How does caste define traditional social order?
Castes are ranked in a hierarchy, with some considered superior to others.
Are there many castes in India?
Yes, there are innumerable castes, each with its own subcastes.
Is caste exclusive to Hindus?
No, caste is present in other communities like Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs as well.
How is caste acquired?
Caste membership is determined by birth.
Are there different levels within the same caste?
Yes, the caste system has numerous layers of stratification.
What is the origin of the word “caste”?
There are two possible origins: Spanish “casta” (lineage/race) and Latin “castus” (purity).
What is the connection between caste and Hinduism?
The four ancient categories of the caste system (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) are mentioned in the Rig Veda.
How does “varnas” differ from “jati”?
Varnas refers to the four main divisions, while Jati is a broader term encompassing all castes and subcastes.
