Question

Which of the following proposition(s) is/are part of the argument that B. R. Ambedkar makes in his Caste in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development?

• A. In transitioning from the open door character of the class system to the caste system, some groups closed the door; others found it closed against them
• B. Classes became castes through imitation and excommunication
• C. Creation of castes means the superposition of endogamy on exogamy
• D. Function and function alone was the foundation upon which the whole system of caste in India was built up

Hint:

Ambedkar’s argument centers on the socio-historical processes that transformed class hierarchies into rigid caste systems. Pay attention to his focus on exclusion, endogamy, and the rise of caste boundaries.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B, C

Step 1: Understand Ambedkar’s theory of caste.

In Caste in India, B. R. Ambedkar discusses the transformation of social systems and the evolution of the caste system in India, focusing on the historical and social mechanisms that led to its development.

Step 2: Evaluate the options.

(A) Correct: Ambedkar argued that in the transition from a more fluid class system to a rigid caste system, some groups actively closed themselves off from others, while others were forced into isolation.

(B) Correct: Ambedkar argued that the transformation of classes into castes involved processes of imitation (adopting caste-like behaviors) and excommunication (creating boundaries between groups).

(C) Correct: Ambedkar emphasized that the system of caste was grounded in endogamy, where marriages were restricted to members of the same group, thus reinforcing social boundaries.

(D) Incorrect: While Ambedkar recognized the social function of caste, he did not assert that function alone was the basis of the caste system. The caste system was also deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and religious factors.