Critically analyse Louis Dumont's perspective on Caste System in India.

Louis Dumont in his book 'HOMO HIERARCHICUS', compares Indian and western society and gives a detailed analysis of caste system in India.

Louis Dumont's perspective was influenced by Ernest Bougle and Levis strauss. He explains that caste system is product of caste roles, putting people in asymmetrical manner by the basis of idea of purity and pollution.

He gives four characteristice of caste in India:

|Brahmin (Pure) | (temple work) | | others lie | in between. | | Shudras (polluted) | (menial jobs)

1. Transcendental → caste values are based on ideological consensus and following it will lead to salvation.
2. Wholism → caste system is a whole and every caste is a unit of system without any independent existence.
3. Particularistic values → there are particular set of values for each case.
4. Hierarchical - ritual hierarchy of castes is independent of economic and political power.

Dumont calls caste a static system driven by above four values and purity is non-transferrable but pollution is, so lower caste are kept at a distance.

Dumont by comparing India and west gave assumptions

Western society - driven by scientific development, individualism, optimism and rationalism is equal thus calling it 'homo equalis'

Indian society - driven by hierarchy, cultural orientation, collectivism and pessimism produces inequality calling it 'homo hierarchicus'

This explanation of Dumont of caste system in India is criticised as being Eurocentric.

Gould - Dumont assumes that all castes have internalise Brahminical dominance which is false.

Andre Beteille - calls Dumont's theory as mere speculation as caste system is not build on consensus as was challenged by Buddhism.

Dipankar Gupta - Dumont over-glorified position of Brahmins there are Brahmins who work to earn their living.

Jonathan Perry - Dumont talks of collective purity by ignoring individual purity that is foundation to Buddhism and Jainism.