Jati And Jati

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The ideas of caste, varna and jati extend across the religious traditions of Islam, Hinduism and Jainism; each holding a different meaning to each community. The idea of ‘caste’ is a unique social stratification system native to India which divides the citizens into four varnas; Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. The idea of caste emphasizes hierarchy and occupational specialization. (Kinsley, 153) However, while Jati, Caste and Varna may all seem similar, they represent very different things across Indian communities. Varna is outlined as the ideal social structure in vedic and sastric texts. At times Varna can be restricting on people, by being born into your specific Varna you must also marry into it. The hierarchical model of Varna is based on the purity and pollution, with Brahmins being the most pure and able to perform Vedic rituals, while the untouchables are the least pure due to their association with occupations such as sweeping and leatherworking. Varna, when compared to Jati, alludes to some parallels but also many differences. Jati is the proper term for caste and more specifically means To begin to analyze Jati and Varna from a Jain perspective, it is important to consider the idea behind Varna. Varna was first described through the story of the Cosmic Man, Purusa, who was a victim in a Vedic sacrifice. As he was torn apart his mouth formed the Brahman caste, his arms the warrior, thighs the people and his feet the servants. (Rg Veda 10.90) This represented a simple division of labor between classes. The problem arises in Jain’s belief of this due to the fact that they hold the belief that the world was never created, thus this idea that Varna was created by humans is not true to Jain tradition. (Babb, 132) Through Varna, caste restricts marriage choices and the act of coexisting castes creates a hierarchical

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