Interesting briefing about Kallar tribe of Puthukottai which shows the diversity of Indian society and feudal or territorial divisions. The state construction is peculiar involving the different kingdoms and their religious patronages. Other than Mauryas and Mughals, it was the British who managed to have sway over vast regions. 562 princely states existed at the time of Independence in 1947. The sway of Buddhism, revived Hinduism, Islam, then evangelical Portuguese and mercantile Dutch and English washed over this land.
Good introduction to Portuguese idea of encompassing the Islamic empire through sea route, leading to the landing of Gama in Calicut. Spanish meanwhile head to Mexico and influence Pacific and Atlantic from there as well as the land route in continental America. Gama assumes Kerala is Christian. The recognition of Hinduism comes much later. Change of guard happens in Malacca and other ports first from Islam and then between the European powers.
The ruling class formed out of any of the social divisions. It was up to the priestly class to retain their influence over them. The first census notes around 3000 jatis and the second one by 1891 noted 19,000 odd with average population of only 10,000. So simplifying it into the Varna system was a task which helped dominate and was devised by the scholars, men of letters etc who had the upper hand and better contact with the British.
Interesting work by Nesfield, "Brief view of the caste system of the north western provinces and oudh, 1885
1834 survey found 107 Brahmin groups: acharyas-religious ceremonies, pathaks-teach children, dikshiths-in charge of initiation into the twice-born category, gangaputras-assisted priests, vaidyas-physicians, pandes-educating lower caste, khatak-bhats-singers and artists, malis-floral gardeners. Kshatriya class was pretty fluid. Both together made up around 10% of the population.
No comments:
Post a Comment