History of caste in India / by S. V. Ketkar

The caste system still exercises a tenacious hold on Hindu mind, though it is less tyrannical in its workings now. It has influenced the second largest community in India, the Muslims, too. In this handy book a Hindu scholar conducts a probe into the caste system, its origin, growth, its desirability, and possibilities for modifying or remodelling it in modern times. With this object in view, the author presents the evidence of the Laws of Manu on caste with his interpretations and comments on that evidence. The chapter headings will give an idea of the range and depth of the investigationThe Caste System (its definition, theory, psychology), History of India 250 B.C.– 250 A.D.), The Book Manava-Dharma-Shastra, Treatment of Caste by the Book (meaning of terms like Varna and jati, types of castes, the Four Varnas, occupational castes, possibility of changing one’s caste), Philosophy of Caste (philosophical theories and theory of purity) and Discrimination on Account of Varna (in questions of treatment at the court, taxation, inheritance, marriage and criminal law).