Explain the concept of the jajmani system in 250 words
Answers
It has become a part and parcel of social and economic system.
Etymologically, the term Jajman has been derived from the Sanskrit word Yajman, which means a person who performs a yajna. Thus if some yajna is to be performed for that the services of some Brahmins are essentially needed. It was gradually that its use was made common to everyone who hired services or to whom the services were given.
It could be said that the Jajmani system is a system of distribution whereby high caste land owning families are provided services and products of various lower castes such as Khati (Carpenter), Nai (Barber), Kumhars (Potters), Lobars (Blacksmiths), Dhobi (Washer man), Sweeper (Chuhra) etc.
The servicing castes are called Kamins while the castes served are called Jajmans. For services rendered the servicing castes are paid in cash or in kind (grains, fodder, clothes, animal products like milk, butter etc.) Kamin means who works for some body or services him.
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Caste system has a stronger hold in rural areas than the cities. The traditions, customs and rules of behaviour differ from caste to caste. The members of each caste have to follow their hereditary occupation. Although the different castes are socially segregated, yet there arises several social occasions when one caste has to secure the services of the other castes. Such interdependence has been given the name of ‘Jajmani System’. Under this system each caste in the village is expected to give certain standardised services to other castes.
