Evaluate the views of Gandhi on the Varna system

Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, had a unique and thoughtful perspective on many social issues in India, including the varna system. The varna system is an ancient Indian social classification that divided people into four main categories: Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers). Over time, this system became rigid and turned into the caste system, which led to social inequality and untouchability. Gandhi had both appreciation and criticism for the varna system. He tried to reform it, not destroy it completely. This article will explain Gandhi’s views on the varna system in simple and clear terms.

1. Gandhi’s Basic Understanding of Varna

Gandhi believed that the original varna system, as described in ancient Hindu texts, was not based on birth but on occupation. According to him:

• Each individual had a natural tendency or talent.
• People should work according to their nature and abilities.
• Society would run smoothly if everyone followed their own dharma (duty).

Gandhi thought that if a person was good at teaching, they should become a Brahmin; if someone was good at protecting, they could be a Kshatriya, and so on. In his view, this system did not promote inequality but division of labor for the welfare of all.

2. Varna vs. Caste: Gandhi’s Distinction

Gandhi made a clear difference between varna and caste. He believed:

• Varna is a healthy social order based on work and qualities.
• Caste (Jati) is a harmful and rigid system based on birth.

He strongly opposed the hereditary caste system. For Gandhi, being born into a Brahmin family did not make someone superior. What mattered was their behavior, character, and service to society. He said that the caste system had corrupted the original idea of varna.

3. Gandhi’s Views on Untouchability

One of the biggest problems that grew from the caste system was untouchability. Gandhi totally rejected this practice. He said:

• “Untouchability is a sin.”
• “It has no place in Hinduism.”

Gandhi gave a new name to the so-called "untouchables": Harijans, meaning "Children of God." He encouraged social mixing, temple entry, and education for Harijans. He even cleaned toilets himself to show that no work is low or impure.

4. Varna and Spiritual Equality

Though Gandhi accepted the varna system as a form of social organization, he also believed in the spiritual equality of all people. He said:

• All humans are equal in the eyes of God.
• Everyone has the same soul or atman.
• No one is high or low by birth.

This spiritual belief made Gandhi support reforms in Hindu society. He argued that everyone, including Shudras and Harijans, had the right to worship, read scriptures, and live a life of dignity.

5. Gandhi’s Use of Varna in His Social Philosophy

Gandhi used the idea of varna to promote:

• Non-materialism: He said people should be satisfied with the role given by God and not chase material success.
• Simplicity: He admired the Shudras and laborers for their simple and hard-working lives.
• Village economy: Gandhi believed in a self-reliant village economy. He said that if everyone did their own duty, there would be no unemployment or poverty.

In this way, Gandhi tried to give a moral and ethical shape to the varna system.

6. Criticism of Gandhi’s Views

Not everyone agreed with Gandhi. Many thinkers and leaders, including Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, strongly opposed Gandhi’s ideas about varna. They argued:

• Gandhi was trying to reform a system that was rotten at its core.
• Even if varna was based on occupation, in reality it had always worked as a birth-based caste system.
• The caste system had caused pain and suffering to millions of people for centuries.

Ambedkar wanted complete abolition of the caste system, while Gandhi wanted to purify and reform it. This led to deep differences between them.

7. Gandhi’s Practical Actions

Though Gandhi spoke of varna in idealistic terms, his actions were mostly against caste-based discrimination. Some of his efforts include:

• Establishing schools for Harijans.
• Leading campaigns for temple entry rights.
• Encouraging inter-dining and inter-caste marriages.
• Promoting the dignity of labor (he himself spun cloth, cleaned toilets, and lived simply).

Gandhi also criticized upper-caste Hindus for their behavior and called upon them to repent for their unjust treatment of the lower castes.

8. Changing Views Over Time

Gandhi’s views on varna changed with time. In his early writings, he supported the varna system more strongly. But in his later years, especially after 1930, he became more critical of caste divisions. He admitted that the system had been misused and had to be reformed. In one of his last writings, he even said that he was not concerned if people rejected varna, as long as they believed in equality and service.

9. Legacy of Gandhi’s Views

Gandhi’s ideas had a deep impact on Indian society. Even though he did not call for complete abolition of the varna system, his emphasis on:

• Human dignity
• Equality
• Non-violence
• Truth

led to a moral awakening in India. Many social reforms were inspired by his thoughts. His work laid the foundation for later legal and constitutional steps, such as:

• Abolition of untouchability (Article 17 of the Indian Constitution)
• Reservation system for Scheduled Castes and Tribes
• Temple entry reforms and education for all

Gandhi’s views on the varna system were complex. He tried to separate the original idea of varna (as a division of labor) from the harmful caste system based on birth. While he respected traditional values, he strongly opposed untouchability and caste discrimination. Gandhi believed in equality, justice, and service to all. His actions helped bring major social reforms in India. However, many critics feel that Gandhi’s support of varna was outdated and not suitable for a modern, democratic society. Still, his efforts to bring unity and uplift the oppressed remain important in the journey towards a just and equal India.