4.
It was his
feeling
for humanity
that led
him to castigate
the practice
of untouchability.
He says
that$ “on
humanitarian
grounds
alone, we
Hindus have
to eradicate
the custom
of untouchability
since it
is unjust
and destructive.
“
5. He opposed
the caste
system because
it was incompatible
with equality
and brotherhood.
The caste
system rests
on two pillars,
heredity
and accepting
authority
of religious
texts. The
system uses
the postulate
that castes
are segregated
based on
intelligence
and this
intelligence
is hereditary
in character.
Sawarkar
found this
postulate
idiotic*.
$Samagra
Savarkar
Vaangmay
(Marathi),2001-
pg 6:380
*Samagra
Savarkar
Vaangmay
(Marathi),2001-
pg 6:319
The
present
compilation
contains
some of
his essays
wherein
he points
out the
infirmities
implied
in connecting
caste with
intelligence.
The Hindu
religious
texts certainly
support
the caste
system.
Sawarkar
maintains
that religious
texts should
not be followed
and the
rituals
contained
in the texts
should not
be performed.
Thus, Sawarkar
launches
a two-pronged
attack on
the caste
system.
6. The Indian
society
is pervaded
by caste
and stands
fragmented
because
of it. Each
caste is
taken up
with its
own interests
and finds
solace in
damning
other castes.
The only
redeeming
feature
is the presence
of a few
exceptional
individuals
in each
caste unit.
On this
background,
Sawarkar's
well though
out opposition
to the caste
system would
prove to
be relevant.
7.
Sawarkar held that the
caste system is disorganised
disorder. It is destructive.
Amongst other things,
it is harmful to the
concept of nationalism.
Hindus should do away
with the caste system
immediately. Many religious
texts of the Hindus
promote the caste system.
All religious texts,
he held, are outdated.
They may be revered
but should not be followed.
These texts should be
honored only because
they are historical
religious texts and
for no other reason.
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