Speaking of dropping names...
It is difficult to let go of something, of which one is perversely proud.
I have often come across people who, when asked where do they belong to, gently, but proudly slip their caste into the answer. "No, I don't belong to Bangalore. I am a Kumauni Brahmin", or, "Oh! We have to be very particular about the match. We are Saryupani Brahmins you see..." and so on so forth.
Yes, I admit, only Brahmins, and occasionally Rajputs, proclaim their caste with such impunity, at a day and age when casteism is looked down upon, at least by the educated and the 'informed'.
Honestly, I find this attitude thoughtless and embarrassing. What do you expect your audience, who perhaps is not a Brahmin or a Kshatriya (the so-called higher castes) to say? Something like, "Oh I understand. Fortunately I am a Shudra so I can marry whichever kind gentleman comes my way."?
I can understand that people take pride in their roots. But is it really necessary to announce it? The discerning or the curious will anyways find out. One can at least spare the average listener who is just wanting to know from which part of India you hail from.
I could be a Rajasthani, proud to belong to a colourful, vibrant and courageous race. Or I could be a Kashmiri, having great respect for my learned ancestors. It is not really necessary to add your caste to your geographic signature in order to feel proud of your heritage!
Personally, I feel immensely blessed to be able able to call myself a truly cosmopolitan Indian, having roots in most parts of India! Each time someone asks me, "Where are you from?" I sigh... because that's a long story! And only if someone is extremely persistent and curious, do I explain the caste bit.
Frankly, caste is so not cool. Culture, heritage and traditional wisdom is.
I have often come across people who, when asked where do they belong to, gently, but proudly slip their caste into the answer. "No, I don't belong to Bangalore. I am a Kumauni Brahmin", or, "Oh! We have to be very particular about the match. We are Saryupani Brahmins you see..." and so on so forth.
Yes, I admit, only Brahmins, and occasionally Rajputs, proclaim their caste with such impunity, at a day and age when casteism is looked down upon, at least by the educated and the 'informed'.
Honestly, I find this attitude thoughtless and embarrassing. What do you expect your audience, who perhaps is not a Brahmin or a Kshatriya (the so-called higher castes) to say? Something like, "Oh I understand. Fortunately I am a Shudra so I can marry whichever kind gentleman comes my way."?
I can understand that people take pride in their roots. But is it really necessary to announce it? The discerning or the curious will anyways find out. One can at least spare the average listener who is just wanting to know from which part of India you hail from.
I could be a Rajasthani, proud to belong to a colourful, vibrant and courageous race. Or I could be a Kashmiri, having great respect for my learned ancestors. It is not really necessary to add your caste to your geographic signature in order to feel proud of your heritage!
Personally, I feel immensely blessed to be able able to call myself a truly cosmopolitan Indian, having roots in most parts of India! Each time someone asks me, "Where are you from?" I sigh... because that's a long story! And only if someone is extremely persistent and curious, do I explain the caste bit.
Frankly, caste is so not cool. Culture, heritage and traditional wisdom is.
a thoughtful post...
ReplyDeletei do agree that caste can be kept out of an average conversation..:) a well-written one...
well said!!
ReplyDeleteNow...i wouldnt always go with it. I know the caste stuff is common, I might have missed the pulse somewhere, but I still earn to remember when was the last time I discussed caste with someone, who is not even an acquaintance. I am surprised someone would in this fast moving world when one doest even get the time to describe who he/she is
ReplyDeleteJanani & Abhishek: Thanks...
ReplyDeleteRam: Yes, it still happens! Witnessed this recently.
Wonderful writing Anusha... And I completely agree with your point of view here... Keep up the good job!
ReplyDeleteWell, sometimes it isn't just about caste, but about touching a familial chord to establish a quick connection! Don't we desis do it when outside the country? Btw, aren't kshatriyas superior to all other castes? ;-)
ReplyDelete