Page 171 - DSOC201_SOCIAL_STRUCTURE_AND_SOCIAL_CHANGE_ENGLISH

Rosy Hastir, Lovely Professional University
Social Structure and Social Change Ripudaman Singh, Lovely Professional University

Notes
Unit 7: Jajmani System

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
7.1 The Concept of Jajmani System
7.2 Characteristics of Jajmani Systems
7.3 Jajmani System in Rural Society
7.4 Features of Jajmani System
7.5 Jajmani Relations
7.6 Functions and Roles of Jajmani System
7.7 Jajmani System - An Exploitative System
7.8 Changes in Jajmani System
7.9 Summary
7.10 Key-Words
7.11 Review Questions
7.12 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit students will be able to:
• Understand the concept of Jajmani System.
• Explain the characteristics of Jajmani Systems.
• Discuss the Features of Jajmani System.
• Describe the functions and roles of Jajmani Systems.
• Assess the changes in Jajmani System.
Introduction

Indian Society is structured on caste patterns and the economic and professional relationship between
various castes in this set-up is called jajmani system. It is a pre-established division of labour among
the castes sanctioned by religious and social traditions.
Jajmani is a peculiarity of Indian villages. In India, professions are generally hereditary and there is
a long tradition of families carrying on self-same professions over generations. Normally, there is no
deviation from the hereditary professions. Thus, the son of carpenter will become carpenter and the
son of an ironsmith will become an ironsmith. Every Indian villager considers it natural and right to
engage in professions peculiar to his caste and, on account of long tradition, feels at home in it and
easily acquires proficiency.
The jajmani system as inter-familial inter-caste relationship pertaining to the patterning of
superordinate-subordinate relations between patrons and suppliers of services. The patrons are the
families of clean castes while the suppliers of services are the families of lower and unclean castes. It
could be said that the jajmani system is a system of distribution whereby high caste landowning
families are provided services and products by various lower castes such as carpenters (Khati), barbers
(Nai), potters (Kumhars), blacksmiths (Lohars), washermen (Dhobis), sweepers (Chuhra) etc. The
servicing castes are called kamins while the castes served are called jajmans. For the services rendered,
the servicing castes are paid in cash or in kind (grains, fodder, clothes, animal products like milk,
butter, etc.).

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