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 Group members

Prashna Thapa Ayusha Bhattarai

Saloni Shah Bhenula Subedi

Santosh Rai
 Caste based Stratification in Nepal
• Caste is predetermined social status based on hereditary qualities.
• Caste system is the main forms of social stratification system. Which is mostly
found in South Asian society. (India and Nepal)
• The term caste derived From the Spanish word caste meaning breed or lineage .
French Sociologist Louise Dumont known as the founding father of the caste
system.
• According to the Varna , the Hindu society was divided into four main Varna’s
namely the Brahmins , the Kashtriyas, the Vaishyas and the sudras.
Caste based stratification hierarchy
diagram:
continue
• Jung Bahadur Rana in 1845 made some caste based social
stratification in order to control and maintain the social order.
They are:
 Isogamy- Restriction in marriage with other caste.
 Hypergamy- Brahmins from hypergamous marriage get a lower
and different caste ranking.
 Occupational restriction- must follow prescribed occupations.
• Demerits of caste system in Nepal
1. Undemocratic
2. Against Integrity of nation
3. False sense of superiority and inferiority
4. Nation not benefited
5. Encouraged Untouchability
 Features of Caste System

• According to G.S. Ghurye, 1950

• Hierarchy
 According to Ghurye, caste is hierarchical.
 Under caste hierarchy some caste are placed at top and some
are at bottom.
 The caste are arranged into a hierarchy on the basis of their
social priority.

• Segmental division of society

 Under caste system, society are divided into several small social
groups called castes and subcastes.
 They are ascribed in nature.
Features
• Restrictions on food habits and social relations
 Caste system has imposed certain restrictions on the food
habits of people.
 For example, some traditional Brahmins do not still take
onion, garlic and meat.
 To some extent there is restriction on social relationships.

• Social and religious disabilities of certain caste

 Social and religious disabilities shows the rigidity of caste
system.
 In caste system society there is unequal distribution of
disabilities and privileges among the people
features

• Civil and religious privileges of certain castes

 In general,upper caste people enjoyed political,
legal, social ,religious privileges in the past.
 We can see such differences in division of
labour
 For example, till now in order to be the main
priest of Pashupatinath temple a Bhatta
Brahmin is an essential criterion.
Features of Caste System

6. Restrictions on occupational choice

7. Restriction on marriage (Endogamy)
8. Hindu Varna based division of lobor
 The Caste Hierarchy in Nepal
1. Tagadhari: The caste groups enlisted in this group are Upadhyaya Brahmin, Rajput
Thakuri, Jaisi Brahmin, Chhetri, Indian Brahmin and so on. They are wearers of sacred
thread.

2. Namasinya Matawali: The caste groups enlisted in this group are Magar, Gurung,
Sunuwar, Rai, Limbu and so on. They are non-slavable alcohol drinkers.

3. Masinya Matawali: Bhote, Chpang, Hayu, Gharti, Kumal and so on. They are
enslavable alcohol drinkers.

4. Untouchable but sprinkling of water is not necessary: Kasha, Kusule, Dhobi, Kulu,
Musalman, and so on. Water is not acceptable but whose touch does not require
aspirgation of water- impure but touchable.

5. Untouchable but sprinkling of water is needed: Kami, Sarki, Damai, Pode, Gaine,
Chhyame, Badi etc.
 Changes in caste system in Nepal
• Uniform legal system in Nepal
• Changes in mode of production
• Impact on modern education and technology
• Political movement and successive democracy
• Role of mass media
• Change in traditional occupation
• Importance of class
• Inter-cast marriage and inter-cast relation
Thank you