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Q7. What do the terms varna and jati refer to in early Indian society? How were they different, and what factors may have contributed to the formation of various jatis?
Show Answer
Varna refers here to the four broad social categories discussed in the chapter: Brahmanas, Kshatriyas (Rajanyas), Vaishyas and Shudras. The chapter says these categories came to be associated with particular roles and tasks.
Jati was a distinct social structure that emerged gradually. Unlike varna, whose number was fixed at four, there was no restriction on the number of jatis, and their number grew as new social groups and occupations developed.
The chapter identifies three factors in the formation of jatis:
- intermarriage among the varnas,
- migrating communities becoming endogamous, and
- territorial differences.
Endogamy means marrying within one's own social group, community, clan or tribe.
