What is the Indian caste system and what leaders have fought
for a social change?
Did capitalism contribute to social revolution
in India’s caste system? Did the economic reform impact the Dalit’s population?
The caste system in India was influenced by the Hindu lawgiver Manu. This system divided the society
into: (1) the Brahmins (priests/intellectuals), (2) Kshatriyas (warriors/landowners),
(3) Vaishyas (business folks), (4) Shudras (farmers and laborers of all sorts);
there was the Dalits, but not included in this system (5) Dalits (the
untouchables, had the filthiest jobs). The caste system was India’s own style
of apartheid. Leaders, like Mohandas Gandhi, fought to fight the caste sytem.
Ghandi fought to integrate the Dalits to the Hindu system with honor.
Additionally, there was Bhimrao R. Ambedkar, the few Dalits to receive education
under the British control and to became India’s first Law Minister.
India gained independence
from Britain on 1947, which caused the caste discrimination to be banned and to
open up seats for Dalits in government positions and in education institutions.
Even though the caste discrimination was banned, the Dalits were still being
discriminated; and the people realized it would be a slow transformation.
Urbanization helped Dalits to progress. In the cities, there was less
discrimination than in the rural areas. Additionally, urban strangers do not
know people’s caste status only in their hometown villages. Economic reform occurred
in 1991, where “India decided to abandon its traditional socialism and
adopt liberal economic reform. This economic reform of 1991, opened a lot of
doors to the Dalits. Dalits could own businesses (which was considered a taboo)
for transport, maintenance repair, catering, security, and many more. Dalits
owned a household of brick, have electricity, a bike, motorcycle, and good
food. More important than the economic reform, was social change. Dalits could
now look at the upper castes in the eye, demand rights, and stand as equal. Capitalism has given the chance for Dalits to become
millionaires. All these changes have moved India the right direction for prosperity.
Capitalism
has helped a little in social change in India. India would not be a newly industrialized
country, if it was not for the economic reform of 1991. Capitalism opened the
doors for Dalits, giving them a chance to own businesses. For example, In India, “Dalits-owned
companies are now important suppliers of components to top automobile companies
including Honda, Tata Motors, “and so much more. Dalits even became millionaires.
For example, Rajesh Saraiya, who is worth $400 million dollars, came from a
middle class Dalit family. He learned the techniques to trading steel in another
business and later, branched out on his own when he was ready. The economic
reform was able to give the Dalits a chance to prosper economically and enjoy
the privileges that the upper-castes members were able to. Dalits were able to advance and be seen as
equal, however, discrimination is still present. In the rural areas, its still present.
Discrimination is something that does not go away. For example, in the US, minorities
still face discrimination. How can a newly developed country like India have no
discrimination when a country like the US that is developed still has it
present? I truly do believe it’s a huge step that Dalits are able to create
their destiny and not be limited like before and feel equal. However, I believe
capitalism is not the solution. Capitalism gave the Dalit’s opportunities, but
history can not be erased. People need to learn to adapt and teach the next
generation how to treat others. Overall, I believe India is on the right track
to becoming more industrialized because recognizing inequality is a huge step
toward liberalism. You don’t want to limit potential geniuses within your own country
that can also bring wealth into your country.
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