'Shudra'
is a term probably derived from the Sanskrit word 'such', to be afflicted. Many theories
have been propounded over the origin of this class. When the Aryans came to India, they
were already divided into three fluid classes by way of profession. As the fair-skinned
conquerors, they considered themselves superior to the dark-skinned native people, who
became a subject race in their own land.
The Dasas could not be left out completely; indeed, the Aryans needed them in their social structure as laborers and artisans. Accordingly, they were co-opted as the lowest caste, the Shudras, and the caste system was made even more rigid, to prevent inter-caste mobility and to keep the Shudras at the bottom of the social structure. According to the Manusmriti, these Dasas or Shudras did not have any special ability and were only capable of serving as slaves to the upper three classes. This class also included the outcaste (patita) Aryans.
A Shudra enjoyed no rights or privileges. He was not permitted to perform any sacrifices or homa, read or learn the Vedas or recite the mantras. A Shudra could marry only another Shudra. He was not allowed to enter temples and could only serve the upper three castes as a slave, barber, blacksmith or cobbler.
Because of these strict and harsh social regulations, the Shudras were very supportive of the anti-Brahminical sects that evolved around the 6th century BC, like Buddhism and Jainism. Later, they also converted in large numbers to Islam and Christianity, finding solace in the egalitarianism preached by these faiths.
On January 26 1950, when the Constitution of India was adopted, the caste system was abolished and equality guaranteed to all citizens. This process of upliftment was begun in Shudra modern India by Mahatma Gandhi, who drew upon the humanitarian traditions of ancient and medieval sages, and the human rights activism of 19th century reformers, educationalists and liberal Indian rulers.
Gandhi coined the term 'Harijan' (people of God) for untouchables, who were looked down upon even by the Shudras as outcastes. He succeeded in converting vast numbers of upper class families to his egalitarian beliefs. Appropriately, the founding father of the Constitution was a Harijan (or Dalit, 'oppressed' as they now call themselves) lawyer, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. The Government of India has ever since, consciously attempted to draw these underprivileged people into the national mainstream through job reservation and special development programmes.
