Question

Which of the following statement about caste system is NOT correct?

• A. Castes do not have individual existence; they can only exist in relation to a larger whole.
• B. Castes that are considered as ritually impure have high status.
• C. Caste groups are complementary and non-competing groups.
• D. Caste groups practice endogamy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The caste system is a complex social structure predominant in various societies, particularly in South Asia. It includes several defining characteristics, which can help assess the correctness of various statements about it. 

1. Castes do not have individual existence; they can only exist in relation to a larger whole.

This statement is correct. Castes are part of a broader social hierarchy and function within a larger social and cultural context.

2. Castes that are considered as ritually impure have high status.

This statement is incorrect. Typically, castes considered ritually impure, such as those involved in occupations deemed 'unclean', have lower status in the traditional caste hierarchy.

3. Caste groups are complementary and non-competing groups.

This statement is accurate. Each caste traditionally had specific roles, contributing to an interdependent system wherein castes complement each other rather than directly compete.

4. Caste groups practice endogamy.

Another correct statement, as castes traditionally marry within their own group to maintain purity and social structure.

Based on these analyses, the statement "Castes that are considered as ritually impure have high status" is not correct, aligning with the correct answer provided.

Answer 2

(A) Castes do not have individual existence; they can only exist in relation to a larger whole: This statement is correct. Castes exist within a hierarchical social structure and cannot be understood in isolation. Each caste is defined in relation to others, making them part of a larger social system.

(B) Castes that are considered as ritually impure have high status: This statement is incorrect. In the caste system, those considered ritually impure, often referred to as "untouchables" or "Scheduled Castes," have historically had low status. These groups are seen as lower in the social hierarchy due to their association with impure occupations or practices.

(C) Caste groups are complementary and non-competing groups: This statement is correct. In traditional caste systems, each caste had its own specific duties and roles, often seen as complementary to one another, where there was little direct competition but rather a division of labor.

(D) Caste groups practice endogamy: This statement is correct. Endogamy refers to the practice of marrying within one's own caste, which is a common feature of the caste system in India.

Thus, the incorrect statement is (B) Castes that are considered as ritually impure have high status. In fact, these castes typically had low social status within the traditional caste hierarchy.