The Caste System

The caste system is one of the most important parts of Hindu beliefs and is still used today in present-day. The caste system is split into 4 different castes, which are social groups or classes. Once you are born into a caste, you can not leave that caste what so ever. Their is no moving from where you born. It is organized by how much work you do and the money you have. It is not only prominent in Hinduism, but also Muslim, Jewish groups in southern India, and Jainism. In Hinduism, the ultimate goal is to stop the cycle of rebirth and reach moksha which is freedom from reincarnation. The higher you are on the caste system the more likely you are to reach moksha. Over the years, the caste system has been debated and scrutinized from studies in 1944 to research 2003 about an increase in inner-caste marriages. Brhamin are at the top of the caste pyramid, and that are considered the closest to moksha. They included priests, philosophers, and teachers. Kshatriyas are on the second level and consist mostly of warriors or fighters. Vaisya are on the third level and are lower part of the caste but still are respected merchants and landowners. On the bottom level, the Sudra are mostly laborers and low-class. They are technically at the bottom of the pyramid.

Finally, at the bottom of the Hindu caste system are the "Untouchables" or Dalit. These people are all deemed as the street sweepers and sewer cleaners. The term outcast actually comes from this category, as they aren't even in the pyramid.