Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about caste (AI summary)

Literature reveals a multifaceted use of the term “caste,” where it functions both as a concrete descriptor of social and occupational groups and as a broader metaphor for entrenched social divisions. In ethnographic and sociological works, such as those by Edgar Thurston, caste is meticulously catalogued—from specific titles like Chetti [1] and Mūppan [2] to divisions within groups marked by specialized occupations and ritual customs [3], [4]. At the same time, sociological studies and literary narratives extend the concept to critique hierarchical systems that segregate human beings, as seen when caste is compared to slavery or used to justify racial distinctions [5], [6]. Fictional accounts further capture the personal and cultural impact of caste divisions, as characters navigate affiliations and prejudices inherent in their caste identities [7], [8]. This body of literature thus offers both a detailed account of historical caste formations and a critical reflection on its ongoing social and moral implications.
  1. The usual caste title is Chetti.
    — from Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 7 of 7 by Edgar Thurston
  2. The caste title is Mūppan.
    — from Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 7 of 7 by Edgar Thurston
  3. A girl of the carpenter caste, Ayyesvari by name, was just then going to the tank to bathe after her monthly period.
    — from Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 7 of 7 by Edgar Thurston
  4. Pushpakans are believed to be the most fitting caste for the preparation of flower garlands to be used in temples.
    — from Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 7 of 7 by Edgar Thurston
  5. From this point of view we may regard caste, or even slavery, as one of those accommodations through which the race problem found a natural solution.
    — from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park
  6. Caste, by relegating the subject race to an inferior status, gives to each race at any rate a monopoly of its own tasks.
    — from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park
  7. He was a market-gardener, Arain by caste, growing vegetables and flowers for Umballa city, and well Kim knew the breed.
    — from Kim by Rudyard Kipling
  8. "I don't care for caste," was Hemanta's calm reply.
    — from The Hungry Stones, and Other Stories by Rabindranath Tagore

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy