This article has been written by Ms. SHREYA MISHRA, a 2nd year (BALLB) student of S.S. Khanna Girls Degree College, Prayagraj.
INTRODUCTION:
For a moment, Imagine, no matter how much you learn or work hard, you’re expected to follow the same path in life as your family. You’re supposed to marry someone from the same group, and everyone sees you as destined to live the life you were born into, whether it’s good or bad. Now, think about this scenario, but imagine you’re very rich and powerful. And then, consider the same situation but with you being very poor and treated disrespectfully. This reflects nothing but the ongoing long and a persisting view of CASTE SYSTEM, where your life’s course is predetermined by your family background, and this system still influences people’s lives today specially the marriges rules .
When we look at India, a nation that belives in the mantra of SARVA DHARMA SAMBHAV, though today we’re seeing positive changes in how people approach relationships, witnessing changes in the societal norms, such as greater acceptance of inter-religious marriages, having discussions on uniform civill code , acceptance of live in relationships and same sex marriages but in between all this ,even today there’s a lingering challenge in certain sections where individuals still feel restricted in choosing their life partners –( the freedom to choose who to spend your life with), a basic essence of marriage. Despite instances of inter-caste marriages, a segment of society clings to traditional beliefs , , believing in the rigid hierarchy of the caste system. For instance, there are those who feel a Brahmin cannot marry a saket , A dalit indivisiual cannot marry a upper caste person. If an individual from an upper caste marries someone from a lower caste, it is often perceived as a source of shame within their community. This social stratification on the basis of CASTE SYSTEM, rooted in ancient Hindu society, initially served a purpose but has transformed over time is the discussion for this article we will delve into . we will explore the historical background of the caste system, distinguish it from the original Varna system, examine its influence on marriage rules, and discuss both the positive aspects and challenges it presents, such as the unfortunate occurrence of honor killings. Also we will see Solutions, including education and promoting equal treatment, are crucial to dismantling these age-old barriers and fostering a society where love knows no artificial bounds. Let’s examine the impact of the caste system on marriages with a more profound and critical perspective.
BACKGROUND:
In tracing the roots of India’s caste system , we find the first mention of the four Varṇas in the Ṛigveda is in the Puruṣa Sūkta, in its 10th Maṇḍala ( the last and youngest Maṇḍala the Purusha Sukta from the Rig Veda, a poetic hymn that metaphorically describes the creation of the four Varnas)
“Braahmanno-Asya Mukham-Aasiid Baahuu Raajanyah Krtah |
Uuruu Tad-Asya Yad-Vaishyah Padbhyaam Shuudro Ajaayata ||12||”
According to this hymn all these four varna emerged from the body parts of Supreme Being BRAHMA , Brahmins emerged from the mouth, Kshatriyas from the arms, Vaishyas from the thighs, and Shudras from the feet of the cosmic being. These Varnas were not hereditary but symbolized a functional division of labor based on one’s aptitude and inclinations.
The philosophical underpinning of Varna is further elucidated in the Bhagavad Gita, –
“Chatur-varnyam maya srstam
guna-karma-vibhagasah
tasya kartaram api mam
viddhy akartaram avyayam “ (From 4.13 Bhagavad Gita)
Here, Lord Krishna connects Varna to one’s qualities (Guna) and actions (Karma). In this context, Varna is not a rigid societal hierarchy but a fluid system encouraging individuals to align their pursuits with their inherent nature. The emphasis is on recognizing and nurturing the unique capabilities of each person.
However, historical upheavals, including the Mughal and British periods, significantly altered this organic system. The British, in their census operations, froze these functional divisions into rigid, hereditary castes, creating a more stratified and discriminatory social order. Consequently, the once-flexible Varna system morphed into the present-day caste system, overshadowing the original spirit of acknowledging and celebrating individual diversity. The Varna system which was so much flexible and one can change their varna through their karma and knowledge is different from the caste system which is a complex system with numerous sub-castes, reinforcing social order and hierarchy which is rigid and cannot be changed.
The term “Jati” is often used interchangeably with “caste,” referring to smaller, more localized social groups. One challenging aspect of the caste system is untouchability, where certain groups, often termed Dalits or Scheduled Castes, faced severe social discrimination and were considered impure. Despite constitutional efforts to eradicate untouchability, its remnants persist in some regions.
The caste system extends its influence to various aspects of life, including education, employment, and marriage. While legal frameworks have sought to address discrimination, social attitudes can be deeply ingrained. Inter-caste marriages, for example, may face resistance due to societal norms.
In contemporary India, efforts are underway to challenge and dismantle the caste system’s rigidities. Movements advocating for social equality and affirmative action policies aim to uplift marginalized communities. However, the journey toward a caste-free society continues, requiring both legal reforms and a shift in societal attitudes.
CASTE SYTEM INFLUENCING THE RULES OF MARRIAGES IN HINDU SOCIETY:
The caste system continues to exert a profound influence on marriages, maintaining its grip on societal norms and choices. Delving into history, the practice of Endogamy, where individuals were expected to marry within their own caste, was deeply entrenched. The rationale behind this norm was to safeguard the purity of bloodlines, preserving the unique genetic makeup of each caste—a mechanism to safeguard their secrets within their own social fabric. The prevalence of such a rule limited the freedom of individuals to choose their life partners outside the bounds of their caste.
Exploring further, the historical concept of Anuloma and Pratiloma marriages adds layers to the of marriage within the caste system. Anuloma marriages allowed a boy from a higher caste to marry a girl from a lower caste, while Pratiloma, the reverse. Within similar socio-economic backgrounds, Patriloma marriages (between an upper-caste woman and a lower-caste man) faced disapproval, but Anuloma unions (between a lower-caste woman and an upper-caste man) were still considered acceptable.
Even today, the impact of these historical norms resonates in the realm of marriage. In cases where a Savarna or upper-caste individual marries a Dalit person, both Patriloma and Anuloma marriages might face severe societal backlash. In extreme instances, this opposition escalates to violence or even honor killings, perpetuated by families to uphold their perceived notions of caste purity.
The dynamics of marriage within the caste system are complex, and historical precedents reveal a rigid adherence to rules that categorized unions as Anuloma or Pratiloma. During the British rule in India, legal battles ensued over the validity of marriages based on whether they were deemed Anuloma or Pratiloma. The caste hierarchy, derived from the Varna system, posed challenges for judges tasked with categorizing castes and sub-castes.
Pratiloma marriages, , were often declared invalid by High Courts, as they were deemed inconsistent with established Hindu law. In contrast, Anuloma marriages, where a boy from a higher caste marries a girl from a lower caste, were considered valid, at least in regions like Bombay and Madras.
The Allahabad High Court took an assertive position, deeming both Pratiloma and Anuloma marriages invalid unless sanctioned by custom. This created a legal landscape where the marriage of a Brahmin woman with a Kshatriya or Shudra man was declared void, leading to potential denial of maintenance to the woman. However, Anuloma marriages found better recognition in certain regions, with courts upholding their validity. The argument against Anuloma marriages being considered obsolete was countered by the acknowledgment that practices falling out of favor did not necessarily translate to prohibition.
The validity of marriages involving individuals of different castes continued to be a contentious issue, and the judiciary’s decisions influenced societal attitudes towards inter-caste unions.
In contemporary times, the enforcement of caste-based rules in marriages continues, particularly in regions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The so-called purity of descent and caste is reinvigorated through .
The fact lies here is that still these rule of marriage impact the society. Despite societal norms favoring intra-caste marriages, cross-caste love often faces initial resistance. Family acceptance becomes pivotal, leading to tough choices. Some succumb to pressure, ending relationships, while others navigate complexities, asserting their right to love freely. For girls, marrying within the same caste, under duress at times, adds to the challenge. These norms intricately shape inter-caste marriages, weaving a complex web of emotions and expectations. The enduring influence of the caste system poses challenges, requiring societal acceptance beyond legal reforms. The impact of historical rules on marriage choices remains a poignant aspect, highlighting the need for ongoing societal transformation.
IMPACTS OF CASTE SYSTEM ON HINDU MARRIAGES:
The caste system was prevalent in the past due to a combination of social, economic, and religious factors. It originated as a way to organize society and assign specific roles based on individuals’ occupations. Earlier The Varna system was there and Over time, this system evolved into a complex hierarchy with numerous sub-castes, reinforcing social order and hierarchy. Economically, the caste system served as a division of labor, ensuring that each group contributed to the overall functioning of society. The hereditary nature of occupations helped maintain stability and continuity. Religiously, the caste system found justification in the belief in karma and reincarnation. It was perceived as a reflection of an individual’s actions in past lives, determining their current social position. The Brahmins were considered the highest caste due to their association with spiritual knowledge and rituals. While the caste system may have had functional aspects in ancient times, it eventually led to social stratification, discrimination, and inequality. Over the years, various reform movements and legal changes have aimed to address these issues and promote a more egalitarian society.
Negative impacts:
- Emotional Toll :
Falling in love across caste lines can bring emotional distress, , facing societal disapproval and obstacles to marriage.
- Limited Choices:
The caste system restricts choices, making it harder for individuals to choose life partners freely, stifling diversity in relationships.
- Tragic Consequence –
Marrying against caste norms can lead to honor killings, a tragic consequence where individuals, particularly couples, may face violence or death.
- Social Inequality –
Caste Stratification in Marriage The system enforces marrying within one’s caste or a higher stratum, reinforcing social disparities and discriminating against lower castes.
- Women’s Struggle –
Women and girls at home are often brought up with the notion that they are the pride of the house. The expectation is for them not to engage in anything that might bring down the status of their family. And that higher expections in that phrase “Nak Mat Katwana,” often discourages them from choosing a partner from a lower caste. This restriction results in limited freedom and fewer choices, making it challenging for them. Even if they desire to pursue an interfaith marriage, societal pressure, either forced or accepted for the sake of their parents’ status, often leads them to marry within the same caste..
SOLUTIONS:
- Overcoming Caste Bias:
To move beyond caste bias, we need to question the roots of the caste system. Rejecting any pride associated with our caste is crucial. Caste isn’t a personal choice; it’s a label we inherit. Whether we accept or reject it doesn’t change the fact that it’s an outdated societal construct. Instead of magnifying its significance, let’s focus on a collective identity beyond divisive divisions. In today’s world, where economic status often matters more than caste, holding onto negative feelings tied to caste hinders progress. This is especially true in matters of marriage, where rigid caste boundaries limit personal choices. Let’s simplify our perspectives and work towards a more inclusive future.
- Ram Manohar Lohia’s visionary concept of “Roti and Beti”:
To eliminate caste, Lohiya ji’s aphoristic prescription was, “Roti and Beti”, that is, people would have to break caste barriers to eat together (roti) and be willing to give their girls in marriage to boys from other castes (beti)( because as we have earlier seen that people were in past and even today not willing to marry their girl to a low caste boy). While the notion of eating together is gradually gaining acceptance, especially with the buffet system where individuals unknowingly share meals without revealing caste differences, the aspect of inter-caste marriages still has room for improvement. In the past and even today, there exists resistance to marrying girls to individuals from lower castes. Therefore, embracing the complete vision of “Roti and Beti” remains a work in progress, aiming to dissolve caste distinctions and promote a more inclusive society.
- Educational Empowerment:
Education emerges as a powerful catalyst for change. By promoting educational initiatives that transcend caste-based prejudices, society can foster a more inclusive mindset. This approach targets the roots of discrimination by nurturing open-mindedness and understanding among individuals.
- Economic Development:
An essential facet of dismantling the caste system involves addressing economic disparities. Encouraging economic development within lower-caste communities is pivotal. Economic empowerment not only uplifts individuals but also plays a crucial role in breaking the chains of caste-based discrimination.
CONCLUSION:
The caste system in India is like an ancient shadow that continues to stay in picture in this developing modern India where we are talking about marrirage like inter-religious and same-sex marriages. While we champion the freedom to love whoever we please, the rigid boundaries of caste still persist, preventing unions even within our own diverse country. It’s disheartening to see individuals facing violence simply for choosing a life partner outside their caste, casting a dark cloud over a nation that celebrates festivals like Diwali, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
We talk about breaking societal norms, yet the age-old practice of scrutinizing gotra and jati before approving marriages remains prevalent.
In the timeless words of the song of an old bollwood movie “Didi,” echoes a profound truth:
janam se koi neech nahi hai ,janam se koi mahan nahi,
karam se badh kar kisi manushya ki ,koi bhi pehchan nahi..
sadiyon ki bhookh aur bekari , kya ek din me jayegi
is ujde gulshan par rangat , aate aate ayegi!
ye jo naye mansube hai, aur ye jo nayi tamire hain,
aane wale daur ki kuch, dhundhli dhundhli tasvire hain!!
As we aspire for a ‘Vishwaguru Bharat , In this journey of development, it is imperative to reconsider and reshape our understanding of the caste system. We need to recognize that identities, like being born into a Brahmin family or any other caste or varna, are imposed by society, not chosen by individuals. It’s time to question the baggage associated with such identities and emphasize personal choice over societal expectations.This issue significantly impacts women, particularly when restrictions based on caste hierarchies limit their choices in life partners. In the journey toward a more enlightened and egalitarian society, it’s crucial to address these inherent contradictions and dismantle the barriers posed by the caste system. We must do an introspection, advocating for a society that transcends the limitations of caste, granting individuals the freedom to choose life partners based on love and compatibility, regardless of societal norms.
REFERENCES
CASTE: The origins of our disccontents, Isabael Wilkerson, 9780593230268 ISBN Number,First Edition
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/144525076.pdf
https://www.jstor.org/stable/350485
https://casi.sas.upenn.edu/iit/amitahuja
https://epc2010.eaps.nl/papers/100157
https://www.britannica.com/topic/varna-Hinduism
https://www.questjournals.org/jrhss/papers/vol10-issue3/Ser-3/A10030109.pdf