Yaksh ChaudharyAIR 6 · CSE 2021 · 205 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
Louis Dumont in his book "Homo Hierarchicus" sees caste system as a product of ideas.
He borrowed the idea from Hegel (system of ideas) and Bougle who defined three attributes of caste system (ie. Hierarchy, occupation and mutual repulsion).
Using the concept of Levis Strauss Dumont advocates that binary opposits and value system is the crux of caste system. Binary opposits can be seen in dichotomy between Purity and Pollution, Untouchables versus Brahmins and so on.
Dumont, while comparing caste system to the western society says that caste system is a closed system where mobility is not possible while westan society is based on stratification which encourages mobility.
status of caste system predominate other factors like power and class. for example - Brahmin wield more power than Kings.
However Dumont is criticised on the following grounds:
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(1) Beteille : His understanding of caste system is not practical. He defines what caste system ought to be and what it is. (2) MN Srinivas : caste system is dynamic and not static as viewed by Dumont. (3) His understanding is textual. (4) Dipankar Gupta : Principles of caste system are obeyed when it is accompanied by power. for example- jats of UP do not conside Brahmins as
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