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Abstract

The traditional social structure in India was hierarchical. Indian society was organized around varnas or castes and its normative frame work was provided either by Dharma Shastras or by Customs. In such a social structure some of the castes were regarded as superior and some others were regarded as inferior.  The idea of social hierarchy was rooted in rituals and the notion of “purity and pollution”. By and large in this system the lower castes, tribes and women suffered from several social and economic disabilities which were strengthened by their economic and educational deprivations. The enlightened and the forward looking individuals and groups of Indian society always had a strong feeling that the social disabilities and economic deprivations are unjust.

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