Question

What is traditional theory of caste origin?

Answer 1

Some important theories are given below:

(a) Traditional Theory:

This theory owes its origin to the ancient literature. It believes that caste has a divine origin. There are some references in the Vedic literature, wherein it is said that castes were created by Brahma, the supreme creator. 

(b) Theory of Cultural Integration:

This theory has been propounded by Sarat Chandra Roy. Roy is of the opinion that caste is an outcome of the interaction between the Indo-Aryans’ varna system on the one hand and the tribal system of the Dravidian on the other. 

(c) Political Theory:

Some thinkers are of the opinion that not race but political convenience and manipulation by those wanting to retain authority resulted in the origin of caste system. The Brahmins were solely responsible for creating and maintaining this system so as to retain authority.

(d) The theory of Mana:

J.H. Hutton has propounded the theory of ‘Mana’ in the formation of castes. This has been supported by Roy, Rice and Swart also. ‘Mana’ is a supernatural power which possesses the capacity to do good or bad to people. The tribals believe that ‘Mana’ is attached to objects, places and even to individuals. The tribal also believed that this myterious impersonal power can be transmitted through contact and social intercourse.

(e) Criticism:

The theory of ‘Mana’ has been criticized on two counts. First, India is not the only country where the belief in ‘Mana’ existed. But in no other parts of the world it created the caste system. Hence the belief that the theory that ‘Mana’ produced caste system appears to be misleading. Secondly, there is no evidence supporting the existence of caste system in India alone.

(f) Racial Theory of Caste:

Herbert Risley is the most ardent exponent of racial theory of the origin of caste system. Other supporters of this theory are the scholars like Ghurye, Mazumdar, Westermarck and others. According to this theory caste system came into existence due to clash of cultures and the contact of races.

Answer 2

Traditional theory of caste origin is:

1) In the traditional theory of casteism it is believed that Brahma, the god has created this distinction in castes.

2) This reference has been found from the literature in Vedic ages, where the casteism has been justified by saying it maintains social harmony and balance in a society.

3) In this theory, Brahman the upper caste has been concluded to take birth from god or supreme being's mouth.

4) Kshatriya the second upper caste is believed to have its origin from the arms.

5) Vaishya the third upper caste is believed to have rosen from the thighs and the feet has given birth to Sudras the lowest caste.