Question

Write down the characteristics of caste.

Hint:

Caste is ascribed at birth, endogamous, hierarchical, and traditionally tied to fixed occupation.

Answer 1

Step 1: Birth-based and hereditary:
Caste membership is entirely ascribed by birth and is hereditary - a person cannot change their caste through personal effort or achievement.

Step 2: Endogamy and hierarchy:
Caste groups practise endogamy (marriage within the caste) and are arranged in a rigid hierarchical order, traditionally linked to the varna system and notions of ritual purity and pollution.

Step 3: Occupation and social restrictions:
Traditionally, each caste was associated with a hereditary occupation, and social interaction (commensality, entry to certain spaces) was restricted between castes.

Final Answer:
Key characteristics of caste: birth-based and hereditary membership, endogamy, hierarchical ranking, traditional link to fixed occupation, and restrictions on social interaction between castes.