Brahminsm

Brahminism (Ta:பார்பனியம்,வருணாசிரம தர்மம்,பிராமணத்துவம்) is a practice within the Hinduism in which certain castes such as Brahmins will enjoy monopoly in religious ritual and social system. Hinduism is not a single religion, but it is a collection of sub-religions practised in different parts of South Asia. The date of origin of the Hinduism religion is unknown. Hinduism slowly evolved from various local religions and it took long time to attain the present form. Around 1500 BCE, Aryans invaded India through the Khyber Pass and the Bolan Pass. Since that the dominant race framed rules and regulations in social life and they controlled the rulers. Thus they played monopoly in social system.

Monopoly in Religious rites and rituals

According to Brahmin texts only Brahmins were allowed to do religious rituals inside the temples. Only Brahmins has the right to enter the sanctum sanctorum of temples and can touch the God's idol. Brahmins only can do poojas and worshipping rituals. Marriages will be sanctioned only if it was conducted by Brahmin priest.Even the death rites are performed by Brahmin priests alone.

Monopoly in educational system

In Ancient days the people were divided into five divisions known as Brahmins, Kshatriyas,Vaisyas,Shudras,Chandals or panchamars according to Brahmin texts .Only Brahmin caste people were allowed to get education. If other caste people tried to get education they vere punished severly. Examples of such incidents are found in Mahabharatha where Ekalaiva lost his thumb because he learnt Arrowing and Karna lost his arts learnt because of Dhronacharya's Curse.

Status of women

Women were not allowed inside the temple. Widow remarriage was not allowed. Sati practise was there. During marriages bride has to give dowry to the groom.Higher caste men can marry lower caste women but riverse is not allowed.

Reform movements

In many regions of India reform movements were started against Brahminsm.In West Bengal Raja Ram Mohan Roy started Brahmo Samaj.It was against Brahmin caste system, Sati, Child marriage, Idoltary, women suppresion.In Tamil Nadu Self-Respect Movement was started by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy against the domination of Brahmins in religion.Bhakti movement were started in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Lingayatism were started in Karnataka and Namdevism were started in Maharashtra against Brahmin influence in religion.Jyotirao Phule started Satyashodhak Samaj against Brahminsm.In Kerala Narayana Guru fought against the evil practises of Brahminsm.

References

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