Casteless , caste-ridden and caste-system based society
It took different shades and meaning with changing times and places. Once changed, the system never returned to its original form. Its adaptability and absorbtive naturehas saved it by erosion from within and assault from outside.Its character during Indus Valley Civilization was altogether different from what exists today. It is still in a transient phase. It is different in context of village, locality, region or religion. It has not become obsolete so far despite all its weaknesses, otherwise it would have given place to other systems.
Caste-system worked so well and efficiently in ancient India that when the world was passing through Dark Age, India was full of light. First few centuries are recognized as the golden period of Indian history. Caste system had wisely organised all activities of society properly. Decentralized self-regulated systems managed various activities in social, intellectual, political, and economic life and controlled its malfunctioning or disfunctioning. The system encouraged self-discipline, self-control and self-direction. During this period, arts, commerce, crafts, philosophy and knowledge flourished magnificently.Its people reached a high level of intelligence having specialization in different areas. Many travelers visiting India, from alien lands at different points of time, confirmed that ancient India possessed huge wealth, knowledge, and quality of life. It was a cheerful land.
During medivial India, caste system was a major force for failure of Islam, Christianity and other religions to make headway even after mass conversion. Through it, Hindus could retain their cultural identity, while living under alien rule, whether it was of Mughals, Portuguese or British. It acted as a shield, which helped people to forget and rise above their racial clanship, tribal and similar biological groupings of society and accept a workable arrangement of social existence based on cultural hierarchy and occupational self-government.
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