Hindu Society and Castes

In Hindu society, there were four principal castes (Brahamanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras) in order of rank and status, and indefinite number of so-called mixed castes of varying status and the despised castes who were placed at the bottom of society. The old position of the Brahamanas and Kshatriyas was materially affected by the Muslim conquest of India. The Brahamanas lost their royal patronage. They got no job in administration. They were no longer prosperous. They lost the opportunity of earning a lot of money by officiating as priests in sacrifices.

The most effective Hindu protest against atrocities was registered by the Bhakti Movement in medieval India. Bhakti means devotion to God. A Bhakt may worship Him at home, in the temple, all by himself through meditation, or in congregations through Bhajan and Kirtan (chorus singing). He need not go out into the streets to organize a movement. This book places this subject in its most modern context as the foundation of this subject.