Casteism and Untouchability in India

The caste system originated in ancient India among Hindus, and was initially based on the division of labor. One theory of the origins of Casteism postulates that it developed in a small village by the Sindhu River. Different members of the village practiced different professions. The professions were not all of the same status; certain jobs were exalted, others were demeaned. A hierarchy developed, and this hierarchy led to the establishment of the caste system. Though the caste system originated through Hinduism, it affected all members of the Indian society. Casteism was very rigid; castes were determined by birth, and no mobility between the castes was permitted. Members of the lower castes and Untouchables who were dissatisfied with their ways of life fled to cities, since cities bred anonymity. The reason for the adherence to the rigidity of the caste system was because of the hope of reincarnation, or rebirth, into a higher caste. In A Fine Balance, Ishvar's father's decision to send his children to do the work of a different caste was considered blasphemous: "Consternation was general throughout the village; someone had dared to break the timeless chain of caste, retribution was bound to be swift"(A Fine Balance 95). By working hard and not complaining in the present life, the person would be born into a higher caste and lead a better life in his next life. In contrast, if a person complained and shirked his duties, he might be reincarnated into a lower caste.