Page 126 - Islam and Far Eastern Religions

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er caste believe they deserve to be punished and society as a whole
thinks that way too. The rich and the ruling class at the top of the system
consider their privileges to be their natural right. Because of this erro-

neous belief, people of the lower castes have always been debased and
oppressed in Indian society.
According to the rigid caste laws of Hinduism, people belonging to
the lower castes cannot change their caste whilst in this life. Therefore,
they can neither improve their social status, change their professions or
improve their living standards. The only thing they believe they can do

The caste system gave
rise to a most unfair
social order in India.
The upper castes, con-
stituting only a very
small part of the popu-
lation, continue to live
under very pleasant
conditions, while the
“untouchables” strug-
gle against poverty
and want.