Page 166 - DSOC201_SOCIAL_STRUCTURE_AND_SOCIAL_CHANGE_ENGLISH

Unit 6: Caste System in India

outside one’s caste as parents a generation ago. The studies demonstrate that most boys and girls feel Notes
ill at ease, self-conscious, shy, and frightened in expressing themselves against the wishes of their
parents. Consequently, they marry in their own castes, even if they may not be against marrying
with a person of other caste.
Occupational Relations

The occupational relations refer to the exchange of products and services in a regular manner. Since
the caste system permits and forbids certain occupations to castes, the traditional specialization
determines interdependence of castes. The continuity and change in these contractual group-oriented
and long-term bonds between food-producing families and families that supply them with goods
and services have been analyzed in the chapter on “Jajmani System”.
The best analysis of occupational relations is given by D.N. Majumdar on the basis of his study in
Mohana village in Lucknow district in Uttar Pradesh. Diagrams 3 and 4 explain the occupational
relations on two occasions of birth and mundan (first hair-cut after birth) in a Thakur’s family.
Social Relations

The social relations among castes depend upon the ranking of castes in caste hierarchy. When villagers
meet either for council meetings or for gossips, they generally seat themselves with consideration to
caste rank. Some sit on the cot and some on the ground. The members of the higher rank castes
(Brahmins, Rajputs) sit on the upper part of the cot where one puts the pillow for sleeping while
those of the next higher ranks sit at the foot of the cot. The members of the intermediate castes sit on
the ground near the cot whereas the members of low caste sit on the
Diagram 3
Occupational Relations with Different Castes at Birth Ceremony in a Thakur’s Family

Brahmin Prepares Horoscope
Lohar Nai

Supplies knife & ‘Kada’ Thakur Acts as messenger
Dhobi Pasi
Bhaksor
Washes clothes Supplies
food-plates (Patal)
Helps in delivery
Diagram 4
Occupational Relations with Different Castes at Mundan Ceremony in Thakur’s Family
(Decides auspicious day for
Brahmin Ceremony & Presides)
(Supplies Patal)

Pasi Thakur Nai
(Cuts hair)
(Supplies Kulhars ) Kumhar
ground far away from the cot. When only men from middle and low castes are present, the middle
caste members may sit on the cot but those of the low castes sit on the ground. The seating
arrangement also symbolizes authority and power relations. The Brahmins and Rajputs sitting on
the cot take lead in the talk and ultimately express the consensus arrived at in the meeting. In those
village where the Brahmin caste is small and relatively insignificant, it does not possess power.
Similarly, any other high caste in very small minority will have no influential voice in weighty
decisions.

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