Caste System in India: A Historical Perspective

Preface

The Caste System in India is deep rooted in the long-drawn socio-economic, cultural and political history of our sub- continent. It has brought about a deep and complete division in the Hindu society. Since the days of yore, these divisions had become the symbols of status, from the upper class to the lowest category. Some social reformers and their movements did effect the socio-economic status of the Castes. But the efforts in this direction should not cease and they should remain an ongoing process.

The theme has been well-weaved into eight chapters which have been dealt with in a comprehensive way. They commence from the Introduction, moving ahead with Caste System: the early stages, Caste as status in the family and clan, evolution of Castes, from Rig Veda onward, Castes in India, their mechanism, Genesis and development, views of W.C. Bonnerji, rules for untouchalbes, Social Reform Party, Communal Award, defenders of Caste system, ethics of Hindus, Vedas and Smritis, necessity of religion, beliefs and morals, the social reforms, the theory of Karma, various kinds of rituals, advent of the British rule, Harijan Sevak Sangh, upliftment of the Harijans, role of saints and sadhus, religion and God, Caste System in Modern India, Conversions, Hinduism and culture, Christians in Travancore, temple entry, Vykom Satyagraha, role of Travancore Durbar, the system of Satyagraha and the gospel of spinning and khadi. The Bibliography is fairly comprehensive.

I have collected the research material from several academic institutions, viz, National Archives of India, Nehru

Caste System in India: A Historical Perspective

Memorial Museum and Library, Sapru House Library, Central Secretariat Library, Delhi University Library, Indian Council of Historical Research Library, Sahitya Akademi Library and Jawaharlal Nehru University Library. I am grateful to the members of these institutions for affording their academic support to me during my researches. I have used and analysed the material from the writings of well-known authors. I feel much beholden to them.

Ekta Singh

Acknowledgements

I wish to express my deep sense of gratitude to my guide Dr. Manju Singh, Reader, Bundelkhand Degree College, Jhansi for her invaluable support and guidance in fulfillment of the Ph. D. programe.

I also wish to thank Dr.N. N. Awasthi, Director, B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Social Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi for his constant motivation and generous assistance to complete this programe.

I would like to thank my husband, Surender K. Dass and my parents, Mrs. Uma Singh and Mr. Nihal Singh for their constant encouragement and moral support.

Place: Jhansi

Date: November 2003

Ekta Singh