G.S. Ghurye – Theories of Origin of the Caste system

G.S. Ghurye – Theories of Origin of the Caste System

G.S. Ghurye, whose full name was Govind Sadashiv Ghurye was widely recognized and often referred to as the “father of Indian sociology” due to his pioneering contributions to the field. In 1924, he assumed the position of the head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Bombay, becoming the second person to do so after Patrick Geddes, who held the position in 1919. Though he did not have the opportunity to study ‘sociology’ as a major subject in college or university, he initiated the department of sociology for a few decades.

Ghurye was interested in the study of Indian civilization and so he tried to find out the origin of the racial identity of India. He considered H. Risley’s racial theory of caste while writing his own book ‘Caste and Race in India. He begins by highlighting that social differentiation is a common feature of human societies. People’s status often depends on factors like birth, achievements, or wealth. What makes the Hindu caste system unique is its classification of certain groups as “untouchable” and “unapproachable.”

1. Indo-Aryan Culture: Around 2,500 B.C., the Indo-Aryans arrived in India, bringing with them the earliest mentions of caste and class. They used the term “varna” (colour) to categorize different groups. This culture was part of the broader Indo-European family of civilizations.

2. Persian and Roman Comparisons: Ghurye compares early Persians, who were tolerant of various faiths, with Roman society, which had distinct classes but not strong religious exclusivity. Roman religion became institutionalized over time, unlike Hinduism.

3. Greek and Indian Interaction: In interactions with other civilizations, like the Greeks with Egyptians, Ghurye notes that both the Indo-Aryans in India and the Greeks exhibited pride and exclusivity. However, their interactions differed, with the Indo-Aryans being more exclusive.

4. Evolution of Caste System: The caste system in Northern India was created by the Indo-Aryans to preserve cultural integrity and physical purity. People’s physical characteristics played a role in determining their caste, and the system involved endogamy (marriage within the caste) and hypergamy (marrying into a higher caste).

5. Anthropometric Differences: Ghurye observes that there was a correspondence between physical traits and social positions, with Brahmins having specific physical characteristics. Different regions in India showed variations in physical traits among castes.

6. Brahmanic Influence: The caste system emerged from Brahmanic culture. The term “varna” evolved to denote caste, and ceremonial purity became highly emphasized. Restrictions on intermarriage and food were imposed to maintain purity and preserve Vedic knowledge.

7. Group Solidarity: Initially, the restrictions imposed by Brahmins were adopted by other groups seeking respectability. This led to the development of distinct groups with their own restrictions on intermarriage and food, as they asserted their solidarity and prestige.

G.S. Ghurye’s theories delve into the historical and cultural factors that contributed to the development of the caste system in India, emphasizing the role of physical characteristics, cultural influences, and exclusivity in shaping this complex social structure.