Significance of Lower caste
Lower caste refers to social groups that occupy a subordinate position within the hierarchical structure of Indian society, commonly facing discrimination and limited rights. This classification encompasses individuals deemed inferior based on traditional caste norms, including groups like Shudras. Historically, lower castes have experienced exclusion and severe penalties for offenses against higher castes. Despite these challenges, members of lower castes have shown aspirations for spiritual redemption and societal improvement, often leading to complex interactions with upper castes.
In Dutch: Lagere kaste; In Finnish: Alempi kasti; In Spanish: Casta inferior
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Lower caste'
Lower caste in Hinduism refers to social groups ranked inferior within the caste hierarchy, often associated with lower status, restrictive rights, and legal penalties. These classes face discrimination and are traditionally seen as less honorable.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Social classes in the traditional Indian caste system that are subject to different regulations compared to higher castes, specifically in this context, Kshatriya women.[1] (2) A societal classification associated with lesser social status, often linked to the consequences of one's actions.[2] (3) Refers to a social rank that, if facing urgent issues, should be prioritized in the king's investigations.[3] (4) A social class that is considered to be of a lower status in the traditional caste system.[4] (5) Refers to individuals from social groups of lesser status, subject to different legal consequences when harming those of higher castes.[5]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to individuals belonging to a social class viewed as inferior, whose association can lead to a woman being labeled an outcast.[6] (2) Individuals categorized beneath the Brahmana in the caste system, who may not receive the same hospitality unless on special occasions.[7]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) A term used to refer to castes such as Antya and Candalas, which occupy the lowest rung in the caste hierarchy.[8]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Social classes that, according to the text, can be elevated to higher castes based on fulfilling their duties.[9]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to the castes that are ranked below one's own in the traditional caste hierarchy.[10]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A social group with lesser status, whose children or dependents may be treated as outcasts.[11]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A social class traditionally regarded as inferior in the hierarchical structure of society.[12] (2) Social classes often with fewer rights and more severe penalties for transgressions against higher castes.[13] (3) Refers to individuals belonging to societal groups with diminished status, who face specific punishments for offenses against members of higher castes.[14]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the lower social strata who have different prescribed roles and duties in society.[15] (2) Social strata associated with occupations considered less honorable, acknowledged for their desire for spiritual redemption.[16]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Social classes deemed inferior but whose individuals are equally capable of meritorious conduct in this context.[17] (2) Individuals who are considered to be of inferior social status within the caste system.[18]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Refers to social classes considered inferior in the traditional caste hierarchy.[19] (2) Groups that fall under specific social classifications, whose interaction with others often requires additional purification measures.[20]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Refers to individuals belonging to social groups considered below the twice-born in the caste hierarchy.[21]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Refers to individuals from a caste considered to be of lesser status, often marrying upper class individuals.[22]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Referring to castes that will see different roles and responsibilities in the societal structure.[23]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Classes such as Vaishyas and shudras taking roles contrary to their traditional occupations, indicative of social disorder in the Kali age.[24]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) refers to the social hierarchy in the Hindu community of Bengal where inferior castes acknowledge the superiority of upper caste brahmanas.[25] (2) Social groups that are traditionally regarded as less privileged within the caste system.[26]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Social groups beneath the four upper castes, including Candalas, Pulandas, Shabaras, and Kiratas, often facing discrimination.[27]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Social groups within a hierarchy that typically have different roles and access to resources compared to the higher castes.[28]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The caste considered more serviceable in various ways and thus preferred for colonization.[29]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Social groups positioned at the bottom of the caste hierarchy, often facing discrimination and limited opportunities.[30]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Categories in the societal hierarchy that typically do not have the privilege to perform certain religious rituals or gain knowledge of the Vedas, often including the Shudras.[31]
The concept of Lower caste in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Lower caste" pertains to social groups in India that historically experience discrimination and economic challenges, often seeking societal acceptance and confronting hierarchical exclusion, as illustrated by diverse influences like traditions and beliefs in witchcraft.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Social groups that have historically faced discrimination and exclusion in Indian society based on caste hierarchies.[32] (2) Individuals belonging to the lower strata of the caste system, often facing social discrimination and economic challenges.[33]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Social groups that believe in witchcraft and consider it a reality.[34]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The caste of the man who paid obeisance to the Tom-tom Beaters while seeking permission to pass.[35]