Which of the following principles are applied to maintain caste based restrictions?

(A) Birth
(B) Marriage
(C) Food Sharing
(D) Occupation

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

(B), (C) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (4) - (B), (C) and (D) only

Note: the given answer is as per NTA. However, there appears to be a discrepancy in the answer. Conceptually, the correct answer should be Option (3) – (A), (B), (C) and (D) as explianed below.

• (A) Birth: Caste is ascriptive, meaning it is determined strictly by birth. You are born into the caste of your parents, and this cannot be changed through wealth, talent, or effort. This is the primary principle that ensures the system remains closed.

• (B) Marriage: Marriage is a key tool to enforce caste restrictions. Endogamy (marriage within the same caste) ensures the continuation of caste boundaries.

• (C) Food Sharing: Food sharing is another significant method to maintain caste restrictions, as practices like refusing food from certain castes reinforce social hierarchies.

• (D) Occupation: Occupation traditionally ties individuals to specific roles within the caste system, actively maintaining caste boundaries and hierarchies.