Caste in India: The Facts and the System c8.s1: Introductory
Caste in India: The Facts and the System c8.s1
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Introductory
c8.s1.1
SINCE it first invited research, the problem of the origin of castes has often been re-examined, and from several angles. Many theories have been advanced, but I believe I can without scruple shorten the list.
c8.s1.2
I am excluding from the outset explanations which, too general or too hasty, are not based on a sufficiently careful and competent study of the field in which the problem arises.
c8.s1.3
Among attempts recent enough to be completely well informed several groups stand out prominently. It will suffice to show their tendencies by giving examples. This will not be a mere idle exercise, for such a summary view will enable us to clear the ground, and, if only by a process of elimination, to make our approach to probable solutions.