ABSTRACT
According to Deliege and Weber, the origin of the caste system was originally akin to the class system but became rigid and ossified due to the exploitation by the upper classes of the lower orders. The twin concepts of karma and dharma supported the caste system and in time these notions became the cornerstone of Hindu philosophy and way of life. At a village level the way the caste system worked was through several sub-castes known as jatis. Buddhist philosophy and its impact on the caste system, this chapter summarizes the basic tenets of caste which are also referred to as Varna and at a village level jati. Firstly, caste is determined by birth and therefore no attempt should be made to change one's position. Secondly, endogamy is an important aspect of the caste system and inter-caste marriages are forbidden. Thirdly, the pollution barrier stipulates that Untouchables should remain outside the civic society.
