Annihilation of Caste

1. Caste is Not Just Division of Labor, It's a Division of Laborers

The Caste System is not merely a division of labour. It is also a division of labourers.

Beyond Simple Division. The caste system is often defended as a form of division of labor, but it is fundamentally different. It's not just about assigning different tasks; it's about rigidly dividing people into hierarchical groups, with some deemed superior and others inferior. This division of laborers is not based on individual aptitude or choice but on birth, creating a system of social stratification that is unique to India.

Hierarchy and Inflexibility. Unlike a simple division of labor, the caste system is a hierarchy where the divisions of laborers are graded one above the other. This creates a rigid social structure where individuals are locked into their inherited occupations and social status, with little to no opportunity for upward mobility. This inflexibility prevents individuals from pursuing their passions and talents, hindering both personal and societal progress.

Economic and Social Harm. This system is not only socially unjust but also economically inefficient. It prevents people from adapting to changing economic conditions and leads to unemployment and poverty. By limiting occupational choices based on birth, the caste system stifles innovation and economic growth, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and stagnation.

2. Caste is a Social Evil, Not a Racial or Eugenic Necessity

The Caste system cannot be said to have grown as a means of preventing the admixture of races, or as a means of maintaining purity of blood.

No Racial Basis. The claim that the caste system was created to preserve racial purity is false. Ethnologists have shown that there is no pure race in India, and that all groups have mixed over time. The caste system emerged long after different races had already intermingled, making the argument for racial purity baseless.

Not Eugenic. The caste system is also not eugenic. It does not promote judicious mating or the improvement of the race. It merely prohibits intermarriage between castes, without any positive method for selecting suitable partners within a caste. This negative approach does not align with the principles of eugenics, which aim to improve the race through selective breeding.

Harmful Consequences. The caste system has produced a physically weak and stunted population, not a superior race. The system has led to social divisions and discrimination, not racial purity. It is a social construct that embodies the arrogance and selfishness of a dominant group, not a scientific or eugenic necessity.

3. Caste Prevents Hindus from Forming a True Society or Nation

Hindu Society as such does not exist. It is only a collection of castes.

Lack of Unity. Hindu society is not a unified whole but a collection of isolated castes. Each caste is primarily concerned with its own survival and interests, with little to no sense of affiliation or common identity with other castes. This lack of unity prevents Hindus from forming a cohesive society or nation.

No Shared Consciousness. The absence of a shared consciousness is a major obstacle to unity. Hindus lack a "consciousness of kind," where they feel a sense of belonging and shared identity with other Hindus. Instead, their primary identity is tied to their caste, leading to segregation and division.

Parallel Activities, Not Shared Experiences. While Hindus may share similar habits, customs, and beliefs, these are often parallel activities rather than shared experiences. They do not participate in common activities that foster a sense of unity and shared emotions. This lack of shared experiences prevents the formation of a true society.

4. Caste Fosters an Anti-Social Spirit and Prevents Upliftment

This anti-social spirit is the worst feature of their own Caste System.

Hymns of Hate. The caste system fosters an anti-social spirit, where each caste harbors animosity towards others. This is evident in the literature of the Hindus, which is full of caste genealogies that attempt to elevate one caste while denigrating others. This spirit of hatred and division is a major obstacle to social harmony.

Internal Divisions. The anti-social spirit is not limited to inter-caste relations but extends to sub-castes as well. Even within the same caste, sub-castes often harbor animosity towards each other, further fragmenting Hindu society. This internal division prevents any sense of solidarity or unity.

Preventing Upliftment. The caste system prevents the upliftment of lower castes and aboriginal tribes. The higher castes have deliberately prevented lower castes from rising to their cultural level, and have made no effort to civilize or integrate aboriginal tribes. This lack of social mobility and integration perpetuates inequality and injustice.

5. Caste Hinders Economic Progress and Social Reform

You cannot have political reform, you cannot have economic reform, unless you kill this monster.

Economic Inefficiency. The caste system is a harmful economic institution that hinders progress. It prevents individuals from taking up occupations where they are needed, leading to unemployment and poverty. By not allowing readjustment of occupations, it stifles economic growth and innovation.

Obstacle to Social Reform. The caste system is a major obstacle to social reform. It prevents the assertion of individual opinions and beliefs, and it stifles any attempt to challenge the status quo. The system is designed to maintain the power and privilege of the higher castes, making it difficult to bring about any meaningful change.

Lack of Public Spirit. The caste system has killed public spirit and destroyed the sense of public charity. Hindus are primarily loyal to their caste, not to the larger community. This lack of public spirit and social responsibility hinders the development of a just and equitable society.

6. The Shastras are the Root Cause of Caste, Not Just the People

The real remedy is to destroy the belief in the sanctity of the Shastras.

Religious Basis of Caste. The caste system is not just a social custom; it is deeply rooted in religious beliefs and dogmas. Hindus observe caste not because they are inherently inhuman but because they believe it is a religious duty sanctioned by the Shastras. This religious basis makes it difficult to challenge the system.

Shastras as the Enemy. The real enemy is not the people who observe caste but the Shastras that teach them this religion of caste. Criticizing people for not inter-dining or inter-marrying is futile. The real remedy is to destroy the belief in the sanctity of the Shastras, which perpetuate the system.

Need for a New Religious Basis. To break the shackles of caste, it is necessary to challenge the authority of the Shastras and create a new religious basis that promotes liberty, equality, and fraternity. This requires a fundamental shift in the way Hindus understand their religion and its teachings.

7. True Religion Should Be Based on Principles, Not Rules

Religion must mainly be a matter of principles only. It cannot be a matter of rules.

Principles vs. Rules. True religion should be based on principles, not rules. Principles are intellectual and guide thinking, while rules are practical and prescribe specific actions. A religion of rules deprives moral life of freedom and spontaneity, reducing it to a mechanical conformity to externally imposed commands.

Hinduism as a Code of Rules. What Hindus call religion is really a code of rules and regulations, not a set of spiritual principles. This code is rigid and inflexible, making it impossible to adapt to changing circumstances. It is a system of commands and prohibitions, not a guide to moral and spiritual growth.

Need for a Religion of Principles. A true religion should be based on principles that are universal and applicable to all people, places, and times. It should promote freedom, responsibility, and a conscious pursuit of good, rather than a blind adherence to rigid rules. This requires a fundamental shift in the understanding of religion.

8. A New Priesthood Based on Qualification, Not Heredity, is Needed

It would be better if priesthood among Hindus were abolished. But as this seems to be impossible, the priesthood must at least cease to be hereditary.

Hereditary Priesthood is a Problem. The hereditary nature of the Hindu priesthood is a major problem. Priests are not required to demonstrate any proficiency or moral character. They are simply born into the role, regardless of their qualifications or fitness. This system perpetuates ignorance and corruption.

Need for Qualified Priests. The priesthood should be open to all Hindus, regardless of their caste. Priests should be required to pass an examination and hold a license from the state. They should also be subject to disciplinary action for their morals, beliefs, and worship.

State Control of Priesthood. The priesthood should be brought under the control of the state. This will prevent them from doing mischief and misguiding people. It will also democratize the priesthood by making it accessible to everyone, not just those born into priestly castes.

9. Hindu Society Must Embrace Change and Reject the Past

The Hindus must consider whether the time has not come for them to recognize that there is nothing fixed, nothing eternal, nothing sanatan; that everything is changing, that change is the law of life for individuals as well as for society.

Change as the Law of Life. Hindus must recognize that change is the law of life, for individuals and for society. There is nothing fixed, eternal, or "sanatan." This requires a shift from a static view of the world to a dynamic one, where change is embraced as a necessary part of progress.

Rejection of the Past. Hindus must cease to worship the past as supplying their ideals. The past should not be a rival to the present, and the present should not be a futile imitation of the past. Instead, the past should be used as a source of knowledge and inspiration, not as a rigid template for the present.

Revolution of Old Values. In a changing society, there must be a constant revolution of old values. Hindus must be ready to revise their standards and beliefs, and to adapt to new circumstances. This requires a willingness to challenge traditional norms and to embrace new ideas.

10. The Struggle Against Caste is a National Cause, Not Just a Hindu One

Yours is a national cause. Caste is no doubt primarily the breath of the Hindus. But the Hindus have fouled the air all over, and everybody is infected—Sikh, Muslim, and Christian.

Caste as a National Problem. The struggle against caste is not just a Hindu problem; it is a national cause. While caste is primarily a Hindu issue, its effects have spread to other communities, including Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians. This makes it a problem that affects the entire nation.

More Important Than Swaraj. The fight against caste is more important than the fight for Swaraj (self-rule). There is no use having Swaraj if the nation is internally divided and weakened by caste. The strength of the nation depends on the unity and equality of its people.

Need for Universal Support. The struggle against caste deserves the support of all those who are suffering from its effects, regardless of their religion or background. It is a fight for justice, equality, and human dignity, and it requires the collective effort of all who believe in these values.

Last updated: January 28, 2025