漫谈印度的种姓制度

India:Caste System

种姓制度是印度社会特有的一种封建等级制度 ,与印度教关系密切。 35 0 0年来根深蒂固 ,对印度人民生活影响很大 ,为了解印度情况所不可或缺。印度独立后虽在法律上废除贱民制 ,但实际上仍存在 ,种姓间成见很深 ,一亿多贱民仍被歧视。贱民为争取自身权利不断斗争 ,成效甚微。贱民中多数人为农村的贪雇农。但由于种姓歧视和隔离 ,非贱民的进步人士很难接近和启迪他们 ,贱民解放离不开社会进步和发展 ,仍有很长的路要走。

The caste system is a feudal hierarchical social system exclusive to India,which is closely associated with Hinduism.In its long history of about 3500 years,it affected the Indian people in every aspect,therefore some knowledge of that system is essential to fully understanding the Indian society.Although the untouchable system was abolished after India gained her independence,it still exists in reality.There is a strong prejudice among castes and over a hundred million untouchables are discriminated against by the society.The untouchables have been struggling for their rights constantly,but with little effect.The emancipation of the untouchable can not be divorced from the progress and development of the society.