The book \“Caste and Race in India\“ written by G.S. Ghurye provides a comprehensive analysis of the caste system in India and its relationship with race. This seminal work explores the historical development, social structure, and cultural significance of caste in Indian society.
In the context of local Indian products, the caste system has historically influenced various traditional industries and crafts. Different caste groups have been associated with specific occupations and product manufacturing, creating a diverse landscape of indigenous products across India.
Traditional Indian textiles like Banarasi silk sarees, Pashmina shawls, and Kanchipuram silk are examples of local products that have been influenced by caste-based occupational specializations. Similarly, metalwork products such as Bidriware from Karnataka and Dhokra metal casting from tribal communities represent caste-specific craftsmanship traditions.
The book discusses how these product specializations were often hereditary and caste-bound, with knowledge and skills passing through generations within specific caste groups. This system ensured the preservation of traditional techniques while also limiting social mobility across occupational lines. |
