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The complex phenomenon of caste in India is a subject of perennial interest to scholars. The caste system still exercises a tenacious hold on Hindu mind, though it is less tyrannical in its workings now. It has influenced the second largest community in India, the Muslims, too.

In this handy book a Hindu scholar conducts a probe into the caste system, its origin, growth, its desirability, and possibilities for modifying or remodelling it in modern times.

With this object in view, the author presents the evidence of the Laws of Manu on caste with his interpretations and comments on that evidence. The chapter headings will give an idea of the range and depth of the investigation: The Caste System (its definition, theory, psychology), History of India 250 B.C.– 250 A.D.), The Book Manava-Dharma-Shastra, Treatment of Caste by the Book (meaning of terms like Varna and jati, types of castes, the Four Varnas, occupational castes, possibility of changing one’s caste), Philosophy of Caste (philosophical theories and theory of purity) and Discrimination on Account of Varna (in questions of treatment at the court, taxation, inheritance, marriage and criminal law). Besides, there is an appendix in which the author talks about the radical defects of ethnology.

This volume, which first appeared in 1909, is still highly relevant and valuable to scholars interested in sociology, antiquity, Sanskrit literature and Indian history and of course to the general reader.