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Caste System
Caste is a social class system originating from ancient Hinduism and which still prevails in modern India, in spite of being legally disallowed by the government, which practises a policy of positive discrimination. According to the system, all people are born with their ascribed castes, i.e., the castes of their fathers, which cannot be changed. Under the system, people are divided into four major castes: at the highest are Hindu monks and teachers (Brahmins); next to them are knights (Kshatriyas); next are businessmen (Vaishyas); and the lowest are the untouchables (Shudras). The four major castes are further divided into hundreds of sub-castes.
To put it simple, members of a higher caste are not allowed to make friends with, marry or do business with members of a lower caste. Members of the highest caste have the opportunities to pursue the best jobs, while those of the lowest caste can only be the filthiest and lowest-paid workers, such as toilet cleaners and faeces collectors. These ˇ§untouchablesˇ¨ receive the least fair treatment in the society. Even nowadays, they are denied the right to enter Hindu temples or dine in restaurants which are for higher castes only. In some villages, they are even prohibited from using wells.
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