Significance of Lower caste
The term "Lower caste" refers to various social groups positioned at the bottom of the traditional Hindu caste hierarchy. These groups often face discrimination, limited rights, and societal stigma compared to higher castes. Within this framework, individuals classified as lower caste include Shudras and others, who are typically associated with service-oriented roles. These social groups historically encounter economic challenges and are often subject to different legal regulations and cultural expectations in relation to higher castes, highlighting enduring social inequalities.
Synonyms: Scheduled caste, Marginalized group, Disadvantaged community, Lower social class, Disadvantaged group, Marginalized community
In Dutch: Lagere kaste; In Finnish: Alempi kasti; In Spanish: Casta inferior; In German: Niedrigere Kaste
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 denotes social groups ranked below higher castes, often associated with occupations deemed less honorable and facing discrimination, limited rights, and specific societal roles within the traditional caste hierarchy.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Marrying into lower castes, especially for the Brahmana, is often depicted as undesirable and potentially degrading, leading to loss of status and spiritual consequences.[1] (2) It describes a social standing whose occupations may be adopted by those of a higher social standing who are in distress.[2] (3) The 'lower castes' are referenced when discussing penances for intercourse with women of those castes, indicating that the severity of the penance can depend on the woman's caste.[3] (4) The lower caste is referenced in the context of friendships, with the text exploring whether individuals from different castes, specifically higher and lower, can form genuine friendships.[4] (5) Social groups considered to be of lower status, and the text suggests that a woman who has intercourse with lower castes should be avoided.[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: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Social classes that, according to the text, can be elevated to higher castes based on fulfilling their duties.[8]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to the castes that are ranked below one's own in the traditional caste hierarchy.[9]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A social group with lesser status, whose children or dependents may be treated as outcasts.[10]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Refers to social classes considered inferior in the traditional caste hierarchy.[11] (2) Groups that fall under specific social classifications, whose interaction with others often requires additional purification measures.[12]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Refers to individuals belonging to social groups considered below the twice-born in the caste hierarchy.[13]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Referring to castes that will see different roles and responsibilities in the societal structure.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The son begotten upon a wife of lower caste is one of the twelve types of sons, indicating the social implications of lineage.[15]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The Lord associates with people of lower castes rather than discussing the scriptures with learned brahmanas.[16] (2) refers to the social hierarchy in the Hindu community of Bengal where inferior castes acknowledge the superiority of upper caste brahmanas.[17] (3) Social groups that are traditionally regarded as less privileged within the caste system.[18]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Social groups within a hierarchy that typically have different roles and access to resources compared to the higher castes.[19]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The caste considered more serviceable in various ways and thus preferred for colonization.[20]
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.[21]
The concept of Lower caste in local and regional sources
The term "Lower caste" in the text refers to socially marginalized groups in India, often enduring discrimination and economic hardships, yet historically significant in movements like Bhakti, with calls for improvement and education to elevate their status.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The 'lower castes' are mentioned by Phoolwati's father, who believes they have more respect for community norms, highlighting the societal breakdown and lack of accountability.[22] (2) This refers to the social class of the girl, Valliammai, for whom Bharati may have cherished love, as noted in the text.[23] (3) Social groups in India often relegated to the bottom of the caste hierarchy, highlighted as significant figures in the Bhakti movement.[24] (4) Social groups historically seen as disadvantaged, yet presumed to possess inherent abilities no less than those from higher castes.[25] (5) Social groups that have historically faced discrimination and exclusion in Indian society based on caste hierarchies.[26]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text mentions that widows remarry in the lower castes, except for two, indicating a difference in practices.[27] (2) This phrase refers to the social groups that the speaker addresses, and they are told that studying Sanskrit is the only way to raise their condition.[28] (3) These refer to social groups or classes in India where women and men work hard, sometimes with women working slightly harder, often due to domestic responsibilities.[29] (4) This phrase refers to a social group in India, and they are described as living in different conditions and practices than the higher castes, highlighting social divisions.[30] (5) The social groups whose condition the speaker wants to improve, and who should study Sanskrit to level the caste system.[31]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Social groups that believe in witchcraft and consider it a reality.[32]
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.[33]
The concept of Lower caste in scientific sources
Lower castes, according to regional sources, are considered permanently impure due to their constant contact with organic matter. This perceived impurity influences and lowers their social standing.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) One of the reasons for establishing workshops was the improvement of the prospects of converts from lower castes, as mentioned in the provided information.[34] (2) Lower castes are composed of members, some of whom have been traditionally referred to as untouchables within the Hindu society, as mentioned in the notes.[35] (3) The lower castes are permanently afflicted by impurity due to their constant contact with organic matter, and their impure status results from their polluting activity and not the other way around, influencing their social position.[36]