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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2019/Paper II/Indian Society, Caste & Civilization
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2019 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Karma and Rebirth in Justifying the Varna System — 2019 Paper II

Question · 2019 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Use of doctrine of Karma and rebirth in justifying the Varna system.

Model Answer

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Approach

  • Demand of Question: Explain how karma and rebirth provided an ideological basis for legitimizing hierarchical positions within the Varna system.
  • Structuring the Response: Link past karma, present Varna and performance of dharma with future rebirth, followed by a critical anthropological qualification.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: Karma, samsara, rebirth, svadharma, hierarchy, purity-pollution, Louis Dumont and ideological legitimation.

Model Answer

Introduction: The doctrines of karma and rebirth provided an important religious rationale for social hierarchy within the classical Varna system. An individual’s present social position could be interpreted as the consequence of actions performed in previous births.

The ideological sequence was:

Past karma → Present birth/Varna → Performance of dharma → Future rebirth

Karma: Every action produces consequences. Therefore, favourable or unfavourable social circumstances could be explained through accumulated deeds of previous lives.

Rebirth: Through samsara, individuals are repeatedly born. Proper performance of one’s svadharma, or prescribed duty, could lead to a better future birth.

This ideology helped legitimize:

  • hereditary social status;
  • occupational differentiation;
  • obedience to prescribed duties;
  • hierarchical relations.

Louis Dumont, in Homo Hierarchicus, emphasized the ideological significance of hierarchy and purity-pollution in caste organization.

Critical perspective: Varna ideology cannot alone explain actual caste relations. Jati, landownership, political power and regional histories also shaped hierarchy. Buddhism, Bhakti and anti-caste movements challenged hereditary inequality.

Conclusion: Karma and rebirth acted as important ideological mechanisms of legitimation, though caste hierarchy has always rested on wider religious, economic and political foundations.

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