Status-quoism

Hindu neglect of real life problems and problems of society often led to acceptance of status-quo. Oftentimes, the hierarchies and differences are justified in the name of religion. If you do good deeds you are born in a higher caste and if you commit sins you are born in a lower castes, said some popular religious books. Some books and beliefs also maintained the male domination in society. This is a charge that Sankrityayan (Rahul, 2002) labels against Hinduism and particularly against Buddhism. In matters of social life even Buddha did not question the authority of military chiefs, moneylenders and employers. He was more interested in popularizing his philosophy. He did not want to take the risk of annoying the powerful. According to my reading Jainism is the only religious group among Hindus which does not discriminate on the basis of gender. Mahavir accepted both men and women in Jain Sanghas and made the same rules for all.

Social conflicts and inequality

Hinduism is distinctively blamed for the unique institutions of caste and untouchability. There have been many religious as well as secular attacks on the caste system but the fact remains that even in the contemporary Indian society caste is a reality. People identify with caste, have relatives and most friends in the same caste, and look for marriage of their children in the same caste. If in office, they also support the selection of candidates belonging to their caste. Further, caste is closely connected with class. The politics of affirmative action manifesting in the form of caste based reservations in jobs and seats in schools and colleges is a very emotive political issue in India and most often the responses of people to affirmative action are along caste line. This has produced agitations, movements, social conflicts, disruption of public life, violent conflicts and a sense of frustration (occasionally leading to a feeling of revenge) among all sections of society from time to time. Upper class, upper caste families are found to be showing the signs of arrogance and the low class; low caste families are either fatalists or carry a deep hatred for the social system of India. Yet, things are changing and castelessness justified by religious beliefs is acquiring an ever expanding space in social life.