Question

Which were the factors that led to the weakening of the caste hierarchy in India?

Answer 1

Hint: We must remember that based on the caste hierarchy system which divides Hindus into rigid hierarchical groups based on their karma and dharma. Based on that, there are mainly four categories such as Brahmins and they originate from the head of god. Another category is Kshatriyas and which originated from the hand of God, the third category is Vaishyas and which originated from the thighs of god, and the last category is Shudras and which originated from the feet of God.

Complete step by step answer:
We need to remember that certain factors lead to the weakening of the caste hierarchy in India. They are the following:
1. The efforts of social reformers like Gandhi, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Phule, etc. have a great role in the process of weakening the caste hierarchy.
2. The introduction of social reform movements such as Brahmo Samaj, PrarthanaSamaj, etc. played a major role in weakening caste hierarchy and its functioning mainly related to diminishing the inequalities in the society.
3. The growth in literacy and education of people also decreases the influence of caste hierarchy. Now the caste hierarchy is slowly disappearing from our society due to the influence of education.
4. Industrialization and urbanization two have a great role in the weakening of caste hierarchy and worked as a medium to change the social evil called caste hierarchy.
5. Influence of the Indian constitution works as an instrument to reduce caste hierarchy. The constitution provisions such as the Right to equality of all before the law have helped to prevent the discrimination legally. It was helpful to reduce the hierarchy of the caste system in India. The fundamental rights regarding caste, race, etc. also worked as an instrument to avoid caste hierarchy in India
6. The change in occupation mobility also leads to the weakening of the caste hierarchy. Because the children are not compelled and ready to continue the profession of family or father.
7. The economic development in the fields of society also reduces the emphasis on caste.
These are the major factors they are helped to reduce and decrease the influence of caste hierarchy in India.

Note: We have to remember that the caste hierarchy means the system of social stratification in our society. In a broad sense, the caste system is a process of placing people in occupational groups. In the rural community, the practice of caste hierarchy was common and based on that there is upper and higher caste. In the occupation area, we can see the practice of caste and the people in a specific caste compel to do certain jobs throughout their generations.