How Does the Caste System Affect Lives in Asia?

I watched a funny video clip on YouTube about the caste system, and everyone enjoyed it. But when I compared this situation with real life, it was one of the worst enemies of human societies, and interestingly, this unseen challenge has been deeply rooted in our beliefs and has become an essential part of our lives.

Being a Muslim, I believe that Allah initially created all human beings from Hazrat Adam (AS). And any human being has no superiority over others as per color, race and region of belongings. They are all equal, except the best are only those who are good in deeds and manners.

Still, in this digital era, people are hereditarily divided into hierarchical groups based on occupation, wealth status, and superiority complexes of the caste system. For Instance, in Southeast Asia, there are Jatt ot Jutt, Arian, Gujjar, Mallak, Rajpoot, Awan, Baloch, and Butt etc.

Even within this division of one caste, there are further subdivisions. For example in Jatt , there are Sandhu, Warraich, gill, randhawa and .......so on.

On the other hand, we are becoming advanced in technology, while our brain is shrinking towards acceptance of people from other castes. People of one caste are not ready to accept for making close relations with human beings from another cast.

Based upon my observation and some research, I will discuss some significant and practical constraints of the caste system and how those constraints reflect in the lives of people and their families. It has becoming a pertinent issue in many aspects. Some of these are discussed below.

Marriage Restrictions: One big issue about the caste system is that it can affect how someone chooses a life partner. It is one of the hard and fast rules for some families only to be able to marry within only their caste. And unfortunately I saw many boys and girls who could not find their appropriate match in their castes, so they did not get marry and spent their lives as dependent on other family members (specially girls).

This limitation not only hampers personal freedom, but it also adds to mental health problems. Interestingly, some families allow boys to marry outside of their caste but are very stringent about girls doing the same. They can burry a full-blown life but won't permit her to marry a boy who is not compatible with their family.

Unequal Treatment: The caste system creates a system of distinction in which certain castes are considered better than others. As a result, people from lower classes may be mistreated. Individuals may not reach their full potential if resources like jobs, education, and fundamental rights are distributed unequally.

Limited Career Options: Caste determines work options in this society. This means your goals and talents may only partially be achieved. Someone limits your creativity and potential, telling you what you can and cannot become. Because you are not born to that specific caste who rules and give instructions.

Hard to Move Up in Society: Those born into lower castes have more difficulty climbing the social ladder. It becomes difficult for them to escape societal constraints. And I am witnessed of many who got inferiority complex since their childhood.

For instance, if some one from lower caste like Machi (fishermen), get higher education and got good position in administration or any other social position. He would not get that respect which a Jatt can get. Similarly, people have some stupid believes attached with castes, such as their forefathers were machis so they have smelly body and home like fishes do.

It’s Not All About Talent: Sometimes, a person’s qualities and skills go unnoticed due to the caste system. Instead of focusing on an individual’s skills and abilities, it prioritizes their social standing. The best candidates for a position or an opening could be overlooked.

Division Among People: Despite its original intention of organizing society, the caste system can give rise to conflicts and problems within communities. People from the same caste often compete, making working together and staying united difficult.

While we cannot deny the caste system’s cultural and historical relevance, we must also be honest about the problems it causes. We must think about how to fix the marriage rules, end discrimination, and break down other hurdles to advancement in our lives and society — promoting a more peaceful way of life as our community changes is essential to promote equality, acceptance, and cooperation.

Disclosure : Author originally publishes it on medium

If you enjoy my story, I'd love to hear from you! 😊 Drop a comment sharing what you liked or what caught your interest. 💬 Your likes, shown as ❤️ hearts, keep me motivated to share my writing with you. If you feel like it, you can also give a small tip 💰, which goes towards helping students who struggle with education costs. 📚 I'm grateful for your support. 🙏 So, by joining in, you're supporting me and helping others get the education they deserve. 🌟

Thanks for reading!

With best regards

Ameer Bibi