Similarities and differences in the indian caste system and the castas social structure in latin america

The Indian Caste System and the Casta system of the Latin America are both examples of cruel discrimination through a systemic social structure.

Both systems were developed by the powerful to dominate and control, what they believed were weaker and poorer.

However, both systems are also unique.

The Indian Caste System:

The Indian Caste System is based thousands of years of religion, myth, mythology and foreign interventions. Many basics of the caste system such as the division of population among the classes of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras and the Dalits, also known as the Untouchables.

While illegal in India, the caste system is followed and enforced by Hindu priests and religious families

The Casta System

The Casta System of Latin America is a relatively new phenomena which grew out of the continuous occupation of South America by Spanish forces.

While it does have it's origins in the reconquest of Al-Andulus from Muslims rulers, where the idea of 'pure blood' free of Jews and Muslims came into practice.

The pure blood terminology was used for social advantage, in terms of power, control, lineage and property in an area.

These same principles were applied on the emerging mixed-race population of South America.

Years of occupation had given rise to mixed-races comprised of Natives, Africans and the Europeans.

The Casta was used as a method to ensure Spanish Supremacy over others.