{"id":54745,"date":"2024-07-01T10:45:47","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T08:45:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/institutodelbienestar.com\/let-us-prevent-harm-in-hinduism-raise-awareness-about-the-suffering-caused-by-the-caste-system\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T14:14:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T12:14:19","slug":"avoid-harm-in-hinduism-raise-awareness-about-suffering-caused-by-caste-system","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/institutodelbienestar.com\/en\/live-without-harming\/publications\/avoid-harm-in-hinduism-raise-awareness-about-suffering-caused-by-caste-system\/","title":{"rendered":"AVOID HARM IN HINDUISM! Raise awareness about the suffering caused by the caste system"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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AVOID HARM IN HINDUISM! Raise awareness about the suffering caused by the caste system<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The caste system is one of the most deeply rooted and controversial elements of Hinduism, having profoundly shaped the social structure of India and other South Asian countries (Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) for millennia. It classifies people into rigid, hierarchical categories from birth, and is therefore a source of inequality and oppression, especially for Dalits (the \u201cuntouchables\u201d or outcastes).<\/p>

According to the International Dalit Solidarity Network, there are an estimated 260 million untouchables worldwide, mainly in South Asian countries.<\/p>

This profoundly unjust system has its roots in Hinduism\u2019s sacred scriptures, such as the Vedas and the Manusmriti. Traditionally, Hindu society is divided into four main varnas:<\/p>

1. Brahmins: priests and teachers.<\/p>

2. Kshatriyas: warriors and rulers.<\/p>

3. Vaishyas: merchants and farmers.<\/p>

4. Shudras: workers and servants.<\/p>

In addition, there is an extra category: the Dalits, who fall outside the caste system and are considered the lowest in the social hierarchy. The Manusmriti strips them of their most fundamental rights, stating that their only duty is to serve the higher castes \u201cwithout grumbling.\u201d<\/p>

Over the centuries, this structure became more complex with the creation of thousands of subcastes (jatis), each with its own degree of purity and hereditary occupation.<\/p>

This system of social hierarchy was introduced by the Aryans after conquering India, with the aim of using religion to legitimize their domination over the indigenous populations, their exploitation and the theft of their lands and wealth. Resorting to religion to justify the abuses of invaders has been typical throughout history across different continents. Read more at\u2026<\/p>

Read DO NOT STEAL! <\/em>Dismantle the narratives that justify theft<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>

LOVE THE TRUTH! Dismantle the narratives that justify cruelty<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>

It has resulted in deep and widespread oppression, affecting hundreds of millions of people in India and other countries influenced by Hinduism. This oppression takes various forms:<\/p>

1. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DISCRIMINATION<\/strong><\/p>

People from lower castes, especially Dalits, face discrimination in almost every aspect of life. They are denied access to economic, educational and employment resources and opportunities.<\/p>

They are often assigned jobs deemed impure or degrading that no one else wants to do, such as manually collecting human waste. They are forced to clean septic tanks by hand, sometimes dying from suffocation due to toxic gases and a lack of protective equipment.<\/p>

Marginalization begins in early childhood. They are often excluded from education. And if they are fortunate enough to attend school, they are not allowed to sit at the front of the classroom, nor to eat or play with children from other castes. Groups form very quickly, from which the untouchables are excluded. They know nothing else, and they are left traumatized as adults.<\/p>

Segregation continues throughout life and constitutes a major form of oppression. In many rural areas, people from lower castes cannot live in the same areas as those from higher castes. Nor can they use the same water sources or temples. In cities, discrimination may be less visible, but it is equally pervasive, showing up as microaggressions and social exclusion.<\/p>

At the same time, there is economic exploitation and marginalization that perpetuates poverty and significantly limits their opportunities for social advancement.<\/p>

The theft of innocent people\u2019s human dignity is so great that the caste system has been accompanied by the belief that a Dalit\u2019s shadow must not touch people from higher castes, as it is considered impure.<\/p>


2. VIOLENCE AND ABUSE<\/strong><\/p>

Attacks against untouchables and other lower castes are a common reality. Lynchings, sexual assault and other forms of violence are used to maintain the status quo and punish those who challenge caste norms.<\/p>

This violence is a tragic reality that occurs every day. According to India\u2019s National Crime Records Bureau, nearly 45,935 cases of violence are recorded each year. Approximately ten Dalit women are raped every day.<\/p>

And what is worse, perpetrators often enjoy total impunity, due to collusion by local authorities\u2014many of whom belong to higher castes\u2014and the support of the nationalist government. Read more\u2026<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>

For all these reasons, it is very difficult for outcastes to break the chains of violence and oppression. Moreover, injustice against them causes deep trauma and suffering for generations. Stigma follows a person from birth to death, affecting every aspect of life: education, housing, employment, access to justice and political participation.<\/p>

Women and girls, in addition to being victims of sexual violence, are also victims of human trafficking and are especially vulnerable to early and forced marriage, bonded labor and harmful cultural practices.<\/p>


LET’S PUT AN END TO THESE GRIEVANCES ONCE AND FOR ALL!<\/strong><\/p>

How do we do this?<\/p>

1.-By signing <\/strong>to call for:<\/p>