Identify the Following Terms

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The Answer is Castes refer to a form of social stratification characterized by hereditary transmission of a lifestyle which often includes an occupation, status in a hierarchy, customary social interaction, and exclusion based on cultural notions of purity and pollution. It is most commonly associated with the social system in India, where it has been deeply rooted in society for centuries, although similar systems have been observed in other cultures as well.

In the context of India, the caste system divides Hindus into rigid hierarchical groups based on their karma (work) and dharma (the Hindi word for religion, but here it means duty). These groups are known as varnas, and they are further divided into thousands of sub-castes, or jatis. Traditionally, there are four principal varnas:

1. Brahmins: The priestly and scholarly class, considered the highest caste.
2. Kshatriyas: The warrior and ruler class, responsible for protection and governance.
3. Vaishyas: The merchant and artisan class, engaged in trade, commerce, and agriculture.
4. Shudras: The laboring class, serving the above three castes.

Outside of this four-fold varna system are the Dalits, formerly known as "Untouchables," who are considered so low in the hierarchy that they are outside the caste system altogether. They traditionally performed occupations considered impure or polluting, such as manual scavenging or handling dead bodies.

The caste system has been officially abolished in India, but its influence persists in many aspects of life, including marriage, education, and employment. The Indian government has implemented affirmative action policies, known as reservation, to improve the socio-economic conditions of the lower castes, particularly the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Caste-based discrimination is illegal in India, but it remains a significant issue, with ongoing reports of prejudice and violence against lower castes. The caste system's impact has also spread to other countries with significant South Asian diaspora populations, where caste dynamics can influence social interactions and community structures.

Identify the Following Terms

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