A Study of Caste System in Jain Society of South India

Abstract:

Buddhism remained an anti-caste system till the end and importantly caste system also did not enter into that religion till the end. Although Buddhism migrated from India, it never adopted the caste system of Hinduism. Although Buddhism developed into two sects, the Hinayana and the Mahayana, and some sub-sects, considered Gautama Buddha as the deity, it never became part of the caste system. Jainism was popularly divided into two sects. The caste system gradually entered into Jainism in order to save itself and survive in the Jain society of South India under the pressing conditions around it. Some rituals crept in out of necessity and later became fixed as part of custom and tradition. Bhattarak's system of Jainism, which had a special hold on society, was severely eroded in later times. Jainism started moving forward with the caste system as there was no future power and person who could bring central control over the society. Along with this, Jainism seems to have been accepted by Hinduism as a part or sub-branch of its own, as no movement has taken place from Jainism that would threaten the existence of Hinduism.