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Description
This is the second of two programmes filmed in India about the work of anthropologist Tom Selwyn. This programme focuses on changes taking place in the traditional caste system. It starts by lookin...g at an inter-caste feast, which shows caste divisions in an almost 'classical' form. There are strict rules governing the preparation and handling of food for the feast. For example, lower castes can handle only raw and dry food, but the cooking and serving is done by only high-caste Brahmin men. An analysis of the feast shows the interdependence of castes - different castes serve, but are also served by other castes. This is changing as modern capitalism begins to affect the village and relations between villagers are governed increasingly by economic rather than religious principles.
This is the second of two programmes filmed in India about the work of anthropologist Tom Selwyn. This programme focuses on changes taking place in the traditional caste system. It starts by lookin...g at an inter-caste feast, which shows caste divisions in an almost 'classical' form. There are strict rules governing the preparation and handling of food for the feast. For example, lower castes can handle only raw and dry food, but the cooking and serving is done by only high-caste Brahmin men. An analysis of the feast shows the interdependence of castes - different castes serve, but are also served by other castes. This is changing as modern capitalism begins to affect the village and relations between villagers are governed increasingly by economic rather than religious principles.
| Module code and title: | D207, An introduction to sociology |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D207; 16 |
| First transmission date: | 19-07-1981 |
| Published: | 1981 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:21:50 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Claire Falkner |
| Contributors: | Tom Selwyn; Graeme Salaman |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Anthropology; Caste system; India; Sociology |
| Footage description: | Shots of village women harvesting a crop and food being carried into the village. Various shots of the food being prepared by members of different castes in readiness for an inter-caste feast. Tom Selwyn explains the principles by which foods are categorised and allocated to caste groups for preparation. Shots of Brahmins frying food and a member of the barber caste making plates for the feast. Shots of Brahmins having their feet washed and serving food to the guests at the feast. Tom Selwyn argues that this is symbolic of the mutuality of service that is a main feature of the caste system. Shots of Brahmins chanting grace before the meal. Shots of the seating arrangements of the guests at the dinner. Tom Selwyn explains the significance of these arrangements and how this and the different foods served to the different caste groups affirm the authority of the caste hierarchy. As the feast breaks up the lowest untouchable of the village accepts scraps from the feast. Other foods are prepared by members of the Vaishya caste and given to the departing guests. Shots of the harvest being collected. Selwyn discusses the importance of tasks which are not integrated into the caste system and changes in the economy which are leading to the development of a capitalist economy. He talks to a business man about how he has acquired the land that he owns. Shots of a village market and the different stall holders. Selwyn argues that although produce is set out along caste lines this does not mean that caste values are predominant in the market. The dominance of a group of wealthy businessmen is of growing importance. Shots of a cloth merchant and a goldsmith on the market. Shots of silver being melted into ingots and houses belonging to rich merchants. Tom Selwyn discusses how the market system could disrupt established employment patterns. Shots of agricultural workers, water carriers and a man herding cows. |
| Production number: | FOUD093Y |
| Videofinder number: | 45 |
| Available to public: | no |
