Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c5.s4.t6.1

c5.s4.t6.1

The distinctive feature of Hindu society was the system of castes and sub-castes, as it is even to-day.¹ A reference has already been made to the system of caste as a contributory factor in the establishment of foreign Muslim rule. Let us make a note here of the fact that, as a result of Muslim impact, a number of old social and legal functions had passed outside the operation of caste rules. The position, and the legal and formal powers of the Brahman had undergone a considerable change with the fall of the old-time Kshatriyas or the ruling classes of Hinduism. On the other hand, with the elimination of the moral rivalry of the Kshatriyas, the authority and personal influence of Brahmans increased among the Hindu masses. This led to even more restrictions of caste rules and a wider caste jurisdiction in marriage and diet, and a few other spheres that were left to them.