Untouchables

Caste

The caste system in India is an important part of ancient Hindu tradition which dates back to 1200 BC. Portuguese travelers who came to India in the 16th century first used the word caste. It means "race", "breed", or "lineage". There are 3,000 castes and 25,000 subcastes in India, each related to a specific occupation.

The purpose of the caste system is to divide Hindus of India into different social classes. There are five main classes, or "Varnas". "Brahmans", the highest ranked group, are important people, such as preachers or priests. The "Kyshatriyas", who are people such as soldiers or warriors, come next. The agriculturists or salesmen are classified as "Vaisyas". The "Sudras" are the laborers and servants.

Harijans (as named by Ghandi) or the "untouchables", were members of the lowest social class and performed the unappealing tasks. Their jobs consisted of tanning, caring for the dead, cleaning the toilets, and carrying away human waste. They were considered dirty because of their jobs. High-class members presumed low class members to be so filthy that they had to stay out of their sight and do their work when it was not light outside. Untouchables were looked so far down upon that they had separate entrances to homes and had to drink from separate wells.

Caste not only dictated one's occupation, but dietary habits and interaction with members of other castes as well. Members of a high caste enjoyed more wealth and opportunities while members of a low class performed menial jobs.