Who we are? Historical Definition

OBCs: Other Backward Classes; Socially and economically backward castes.

The system of four Varnas (Chatur-Varnya-Vyavastha) created a hierarchical social order in the context of social prestige, political power, economic dominance and educational privileges. The Brahmins were normatively defined as the most superior followed by the Kshatriyas i.e. warrior castes vested with the political and state power followed by the Vaishyas i.e. castes carrying out trade and commerce. As per the Brahman Dharma only threeVarnas exist and remaining are aVarnas i.e. without Varna and viz. Shudras without any social prestige and barred from

Ø Acquiring political/state power,

Ø Participating in trade and commerce (i.e. not to acquire wealth) and

Ø Acquiring education.

The untouchables were defined as not belonging to the Chatur-Varnya-Vyavastha and therefore sometimes described as. Ati-Shudras or Pancham i.e. fifthr Varna. This section is separately defined as Scheduled Castes (SC) along with Scheduled Tribes (ST) i.e. Adivasi in the constitution and therefore are not part of the OBCs.

Shudras is a group of communities involved in menial labour required for producing products or services meant for social consumption. Having denied social prestige and right to education, family or the clan members were the only possible recipients of the knowledge and skills of the production activities and active participation since childhood was the only mode of learning. Political and economic oppression did not leave any other option either. Consequently, this gave rise to numerable artisan / service provider / peasant castes defining their profession / vocation / specialization / expertise. These castes names are mainly derived from their professions:

Ø Sutar- Carpenter

Ø Lohar- Blacksmith

Ø Kumbhar- Potter

Ø Teli- Oil seed crusher / Oilman

Ø Sali / Koshti- Ginner / Weaver

Ø Mali- Gardner

Ø Koli- Fisherman

Ø Kunbai- Peasent / Farmer
etc.

Shudras were not untouchables and therefore had an access to drinking water sources, temples and several other common social places / functions. However, they had no right to perform god-worshipping rituals, Munja i.e. sacred threading ceremony. Since Munja was a child’s mandatory initiation procedure for education, Shudras were barred from education. As they had no social prestige, the physical contact was considered impure, particularly by Brahmins, to be followed by, at times a ridiculous purification ritual. Therefore, they were not allowed any social interaction with the upper-castes other than the service provider activity.

There were strict restrictions as regards to what dresses to wear, what utensils to use and what names were allowed. Dagadu / Dhondoo i.e. ‘piece of stone’ is an example of such low meaning names quite common up till the last generation. The most recent example of Rabadi (thickened sweet milk) Devi, ex Chief Minister of Bihar proves the point conclusively. Not only there were social rules forcing them

Ø To wear the lion clothing (Dhoti) not bellow the knee,

Ø Not to wear gold ornaments,

Ø Not to use metal utensils,

Ø Not to wear footwear
etc.

There were oppressive and discremenatory rules for Shudras regarding criminal code as well as wealth and financial matters.