What do you understand by casteism?
Ans. The base of India’s social structure is casteism.
Casteism means to distinguish people on the basis • of their caste. Although the practice of untouchability has been abolished by the Constitution of India, yet it continues to exist to some extent even upto the present day. Caste system has been an integral part of Indian society . since time immemorial.,
These are the five features ofthe caste system in India
(i) It was a hierarchical occupational division of the society. - .
(ii) In ancient times, ‘varna’ system started in India which had four varnas-Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. The basis of these castes were their occupations.
(iii) With the passage of time, birth became the basis of caste.