Which of the following are the characteristics of the caste system in India?

(A) Caste groups are endogamous in nature
(B) Involves hierarchy and rank
(C) Castes do not have subdivisions and sub-castes
(D) One's caste is linked to one's occupation

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (B) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (1) → (A), (B) and (D) only

Characteristics of the Caste System 

• (A) Caste groups are endogamous in nature: This is a core rule of the caste system. Endogamy means that individuals are expected to marry only within their own caste or sub-caste group. This practice maintains the strict separation between different castes.

• (B) Involves hierarchy and rank: The caste system is a rigid social hierarchy. It ranks different caste groups in a fixed order, from the highest-ranked Brahmins to the lowest-ranked Dalits, based on notions of purity and pollution.

• (D) One's caste is linked to one's occupation: Historically, an individual's caste determined their traditional occupation. This link between ascribed status (caste by birth) and one's profession was a key defining feature of the system.

Castes are not monolithic; they have numerous subdivisions and sub-castes (Jatis). Therefore, option (C) is an incorrect statement.