Hindu Caste System

The caste system describes an arrangement of individuals into social classes, castes, and divisions within a society, whom follow a strict rule of social restrictions. The caste system is generally identified with Hinduism.

According to the ancient Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita and Manusmriti, there are four "varnas" (sections). They say that varnas are decided based on Guna (virtues) and Karma (past deeds). The four varnas: the Brahmins (teachers, scholars and priests), the Kshatriyas (kings and warriors), the Vaishyas (agriculturists and traders), and Shudras (service providers and artisans). All those, including foreigners, tribals and nomads, who did not subscribe to the norms of the Hindu society were described as Mlechhas and treated as contagious and untouchables. Another group called Dalits were also considered "untouchables", who are from either the lower section of Shudras or outside the caste system altogether. The caste system is still very prevalent within Hindu circles.

The Dalits work in what is seen as unhealthy, unpleasant or polluting jobs. The Dalits suffer from social segregation and restrictions, in addition to extreme poverty. They are not allowed temple worship with others, nor water from the same sources. Persons of higher castes would not interact with them. If somehow a member of a higher caste came into physical or social contact with an untouchable, the member of the higher caste was defiled, and had to bathe thoroughly to purge him or herself of the impurity.

On the converse side, Brahmins are considered custodians and interpreters of the Hindu faith and enjoyed much prestige and many advantages. The caste of an individual is forever stamped with you til death.

Guru Granth Sahib Ji has a different view of the caste system, and denounces it altogether. Guru Granth Sahib Ji talks about a human universality and fair treatment for all beings. The following are verses denouncing the caste system. 

In the dwelling of the womb, there is no ancestry or social status. All have originated from the Seed of God. 

Tell me, O Pandit, O religious scholar: since when have you been a Brahmin? Don't waste your life by continually claiming to be a Brahmin.

If you are indeed a Brahmin, born of a Brahmin mother, then why didn't you come by some other way? 

How is it that you are a Brahmin, and I am of a low social status? How is it that I am formed of blood, and you are made of milk? 

Says Kabeer, one who contemplates God, is said to be a Brahmin among us. Guru Granth Sahib Ji, page 324

The religious rites, rituals and hypocrisies which are seen, are plundered by the Messenger of Death, the ultimate tax collector.

In the state of Nirvaanaa, sing the Kirtan of the Creator's Praises; contemplating Him in meditation, even for an instant, one is saved. 

O Saints, cross over the world-ocean. One who practices the Teachings of the Saints, by Guru's Grace, is carried across. 

Millions of cleansing baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage only fill the mortal with filth in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. One who sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, becomes spotlessly pure.

One may read all the books of the Vedas, the Bible, the Simritees and the Shaastras, but they will not bring liberation. One who, as Gurmukh, chants the One Word, acquires a spotlessly pure reputation. 

The four castes - the Kh'shaatriyas, Brahmins, Soodras and Vaishyas - are equal in respect to the teachings. One who, as Gurmukh, chants the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is saved. In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, O Nanak, God is permeating the hearts of each and every being.

Guru Granth Sahib Ji, page 747

There are four castes: Brahmin, Kh'shaatriya, Soodra and Vaishya, and there are four stages of life. One who meditates on the Lord, is the most distinguished and renowned. The poor castor oil plant, growing near the sandalwood tree, becomes fragrant; in the same way, the sinner, associating with the Saints, becomes acceptable and approved. 

He, within whose heart the Lord abides, is the highest of all, and the purest of all. Servant Nanak washes the feet of thM at humble servant of the Lord; he may be from a low class family, but he is now the Lord's servant.

Guru Granth Sahib Ji, page 861