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In India, caste is a social institution that has existed for thousands of years.
In India, caste is a social institution that has existed for thousands of years.
True
The word "caste" originated from which language?
The word "caste" originated from which language?
What are the two distinct terms used in Indian languages to refer to the concept of "caste"?
What are the two distinct terms used in Indian languages to refer to the concept of "caste"?
Varna and Jati
Which of these is NOT a traditional Varna category?
Which of these is NOT a traditional Varna category?
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What is the key factor that determines a person's caste in India?
What is the key factor that determines a person's caste in India?
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What does the term "endogamy" refer to?
What does the term "endogamy" refer to?
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During the Vedic period, the caste system was considered to be more flexible than in the post-Vedic period.
During the Vedic period, the caste system was considered to be more flexible than in the post-Vedic period.
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What are caste panchayats and what role do they play?
What are caste panchayats and what role do they play?
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The British colonial administration played a significant role in shaping the institution of caste in India.
The British colonial administration played a significant role in shaping the institution of caste in India.
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What was the main objective of social reform movements during the post-independence period in India?
What was the main objective of social reform movements during the post-independence period in India?
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The Indian Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on caste.
The Indian Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on caste.
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What are the main reasons why caste continues to be a major factor in Indian politics?
What are the main reasons why caste continues to be a major factor in Indian politics?
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What is Sanskritization?
What is Sanskritization?
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What are Dominant Castes?
What are Dominant Castes?
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The upper castes have benefited more from the development policies of the post-colonial era than the lower castes.
The upper castes have benefited more from the development policies of the post-colonial era than the lower castes.
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What are tribal communities?
What are tribal communities?
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Tribes in India generally practice a formal religion with a written text.
Tribes in India generally practice a formal religion with a written text.
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Tribals have been fully integrated into mainstream Indian society, with no significant differences in economic and social status.
Tribals have been fully integrated into mainstream Indian society, with no significant differences in economic and social status.
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The rise of tribal movements in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh is a direct result of their assertion of tribal identity.
The rise of tribal movements in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh is a direct result of their assertion of tribal identity.
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Which of these is NOT a characteristic of a nuclear family?
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of a nuclear family?
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Choose the correct combination of family structures based on the following categories: Local (residence), archal (authority), Lineal (descent).
Choose the correct combination of family structures based on the following categories: Local (residence), archal (authority), Lineal (descent).
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In Khasi matrilineal society, women have complete control over both property inheritance and decision-making power.
In Khasi matrilineal society, women have complete control over both property inheritance and decision-making power.
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Khasi women are more affected by the role conflict in the matrilineal system than men.
Khasi women are more affected by the role conflict in the matrilineal system than men.
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What does kinship refer to?
What does kinship refer to?
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Which of these is a type of kinship based on marriage?
Which of these is a type of kinship based on marriage?
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The concept of caste has become invisible for the upper castes in contemporary India, signifying a fading away of its importance in their lives.
The concept of caste has become invisible for the upper castes in contemporary India, signifying a fading away of its importance in their lives.
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The British Colonial administration played a significant role in preserving the caste system and prohibiting any movements for social reform.
The British Colonial administration played a significant role in preserving the caste system and prohibiting any movements for social reform.
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The "isolation" and "integration" debate on tribes focuses primarily on the need for protecting tribals from exploitation and assimilation, without considering their unique cultural identity.
The "isolation" and "integration" debate on tribes focuses primarily on the need for protecting tribals from exploitation and assimilation, without considering their unique cultural identity.
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The concept of caste in India has been entirely dissolved with the implementation of the Constitution and can no longer be considered a major factor in contemporary India.
The concept of caste in India has been entirely dissolved with the implementation of the Constitution and can no longer be considered a major factor in contemporary India.
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The process of Sanskritization has mainly benefited the upper caste group in India.
The process of Sanskritization has mainly benefited the upper caste group in India.
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Tribal identity in India is solely defined by resistance to the non-tribal world and an aversion to integration.
Tribal identity in India is solely defined by resistance to the non-tribal world and an aversion to integration.
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What are the two major sets of issues that have historically sparked tribal movements in India?
What are the two major sets of issues that have historically sparked tribal movements in India?
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The "isolation" and "integration" debate on tribal communities involves a binary perspective, with only two distinct positions regarding the best approach to dealing with tribal communities.
The "isolation" and "integration" debate on tribal communities involves a binary perspective, with only two distinct positions regarding the best approach to dealing with tribal communities.
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The impact of large-scale development projects, such as dams and factories, on tribal communities has always been positive, bringing economic benefits and improving their standard of living.
The impact of large-scale development projects, such as dams and factories, on tribal communities has always been positive, bringing economic benefits and improving their standard of living.
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The concept of caste is solely a feature of Indian society and does not exist in any other part of the world.
The concept of caste is solely a feature of Indian society and does not exist in any other part of the world.
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Study Notes
Social Institutions: Continuity and Change
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Caste and the Caste System: A population is comprised of interconnected classes and communities sustained by social institutions and relationships. Caste, tribe, and family are central to Indian society. Caste is a social institution existing for thousands of years.
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Definitions of Caste: The English word "caste" derives from a Portuguese word meaning "pure breed." In India, it's referred to as varna and jati. Varna is a fourfold hierarchical division of society (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra). Jati is a regional/local sub-classification system with numerous castes and sub-castes, encompassing inanimate objects, plants, animals, and humans.
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Vedic and Post-Vedic Periods: During the Vedic period, the caste system, rigid and determined by birth, was elaborate. In the post-Vedic period, caste became more rigid, defined by birth, with specific rules regarding marriage and food.
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Features of Caste: Caste is determined by birth, not choice. Membership involves strict marriage rules (endogamy). Rules govern food and sharing. Castes are hierarchical, with sub-divisions, and often linked to occupations.
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Theoretical Interpretation: Caste is a combination of difference/separation (strict rules regarding marriage, food, and occupation to prevent mixing) and wholism/hierarchy (hierarchical divisions based on purity and pollution).
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Colonialism and Caste: Colonial rule affected caste significantly, with changes driven by the British's surveys of various tribes and castes. The British also gave legal recognition to existing customary rights of the upper castes and gradually addressed the welfare of marginalized groups.
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Caste in the Present: Post-independence India saw implemented programs promoting the upliftment of depressed classes. Social reformers like Jyotiba Phule worked to abolish caste distinctions. The Indian Constitution prohibits caste discrimination.
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Dominant Caste: Dominant castes had large populations, land rights, and political, social, and economic dominance. Examples include Yadavs, Vokkaligas, Reddys, Khammas, Marathas, Jats, and Patidars.
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Tribal Communities: Tribes are the oldest inhabitants of the subcontinent. They are not based on religion, do not have formal politics or written law, and lack formal class distinctions, unlike the caste system.
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Classification of Tribal Societies: Tribes are based on kinship and do not follow a strict caste system. This differs from caste-based notions of purity and pollution.
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National Development Vs. Tribal Development: National development often involved projects like large dams and factories at the expense of tribes. Tribes lose vital resources and face disadvantages.
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Family and Kinship: Families can be nuclear or extended (multiple generations living together). Family structures vary, with differing residence and authority patterns (matrilineal, patrilineal).
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Kinship: Kinship refers to the relationship between members within a family or group, based on blood ties or marriage. Different types of kinship exist (e.g., marital kinship, hereditary kinship).
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The Khasi Matriliny: The Khasi matriliny illustrates the differences between matriliny and matriarchy and the complexities of social roles and conflicts within a matrilineal system.
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