Caste Hierarchy: Social Stratification

Caste hierarchy in India is primarily determined by birth, with individuals assigned to a particular caste based on their family lineage.

Exogamy, or marrying outside one's caste, is not a characteristic of the caste system. Instead, endogamy, or marrying within one's caste, is practiced.

Brahmins are considered the highest caste in the traditional Hindu caste hierarchy, traditionally associated with priestly and intellectual roles.

Clan is not a social group within the caste system. Jati, Varna, and Gotra are all social groups associated with the caste system.

Chandalism is the term used to describe the practice of untouchability in the caste system, referring to the social exclusion and discrimination faced by certain castes.

Social mobility, or the ability of individuals to move between different social strata, is not a factor that has contributed to the persistence of the caste system. Instead, factors such as religious beliefs, economic disparities, and political patronage have played a role.

The Jajmani system is a system of hereditary occupations associated with different castes in India, where specific castes are traditionally responsible for providing certain services to other castes.

Social harmony is not a consequence of the caste system in India. Instead, the caste system has historically led to social inequality, economic disparities, and political marginalization of certain castes.

Karma theory is the belief in reincarnation and the accumulation of good or bad karma based on one's actions in Hinduism, which is often associated with the caste system.

Caste-based census is not a measure taken by the Indian government to address caste-based discrimination. Instead, measures such as the reservation system, anti-caste laws, and affirmative action policies have been implemented.

The dowry system is the practice of giving a dowry from the bride's family to the groom's family in arranged marriages in India, which has been associated with caste-based practices.

Brahmin movement is not a social movement that has challenged the caste system in India. Instead, movements such as the Dalit movement, Bahujan movement, and Anti-caste movement have played a significant role in challenging the caste system.

Gotra is the term used to describe the social group within a caste that shares a common ancestry and follows specific customs and rituals.

Religious reforms are not a factor that has contributed to the decline of the caste system in India. Instead, factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and education have played a significant role.

Endogamy is the practice of marrying within one's own caste or social group, which is a common practice within the caste system.