Dear all:
I was in a very interesting meeting a few days ago and we had a discussion
including on the above issue. Christians and Muslims present in the meeting
agreed that Caste is indeed seen in these two communities in India. It is even
seen in some other south Asian countries like Pakistan. I feel that there is
need for clarity on the terms used.
While Jati and caste are used interchangeably in Indian languages, the reality
is that Caste as Jati is different from the casteism that is manifested as
descent-based discrimnation based on the Chaturvarna system which is advocated
by Vedic Brahminism.
Jati is a generic term for a people group and is basically an identity marker
without necessarily any value-loaded implication.
But Caste-based discrimination is a reality in Indian society, and that is why
it is visible, although in modified form, in the Christian and Muslim
communities in India. But it is not seen in Christian and Muslim countries
outside Asia in general. This only goes to prove the all-pervasive nature of
Casteism and discrimination in the society. That caste discrimination continues
even if the parties - of whatever religion - migrate to other countries only
goes to prove, ironically, how truly "Indian" we are!
Cynthia Stephen
Independent Researcher and writer
Bangalore, India
