Caste comes from the Portuguese word ‘casta’ that means a race or a particular breed. So basically the word derives from the occupation of a person unlike a derogatory person, as is the orthodox definition.
In the ancient world when the kings ruled there were different occupations for different people. Fathers handed down their occupation to their sons and over a period of time the occupation became the nomenclature of a person.
India caste system is divided into 4 parts. Brahmin –priest, Kshatriya – warrior, Vaishya – agriculturists and Shudra – the person who did miscellaneous works. After a few decades, the Brahmin received the utmost importance in society as he was considered a man of God. The King was not complete without him, to say prayers and bring goodness to his kingdom.
The warriors fought for the kingdom and so enjoyed their rightful share. Food was of obvious importance and cleanliness was an intricate feature of it that reflected in the Vaishya, so it was only the Shudra that did odd jobs. These included cleaning up after funerals, working with leather, labour with masons and do the unclean work. They were hence put out of the society and lived on the fringes of life. Ate what they found and lived in depression.
Gandhiji opined on the criticisms of the caste system. He was horrified by it and fought for the shudra’s the most. He even changed the caste name to Harijan which means ‘a man of god’ and tried to adopt them into the society. But rigid mentalities that had already been formed resisted and thought other wise.
The effects of the caste system in modern India are very visible. It has led to riots, dispute and unsettlement in the society. However the government has always been on their side and given them the best impetus. Today they are allowed to take up any occupation they desire. It not necessarily has to be inherited from their father. So you can find them as doctors, engineers, teachers etc.
However there are quite a few that still live below the belt and face the oppression of their caste. They live in poverty and are unable to come above it and live a decent life. The government of India thus has given them the status of Scheduled tribes or Schedules caste. Proof of this certificate allows the individual to enjoy many benefits, subsidies and a better life.
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