Our country is a country of weird
amalgamations. Though I am not an anthropologist still, I find Indians living
in the most bizarre fashion. With so many traditional diversities, India can be
called as one of the most versatile nation (applause!). The caste system dates
back to ancient times. Your caste was your profession. Thanks to reformers like
Raja Ram Mohan Rao, Bapuji and Ambedkar that this trend of birth certificate
for caste has almost diminished at least in cities but still prevails in
villages(sigh!).
India stands alone as a country
where even animals feel the heat of the caste system. I felt one day seeing the
love for cow rising that for years even our animals are living in a hierarchal
caste system.
Starting from the topmost the
humble cow holds the transcendent position. The white complexion, beautiful eyes, peaceful,
milking availability, and also enjoying religious benefits. Not-to-forget its
ancestor “Kamdhenu” which makes her
divine effect even stronger. This top-ranked animal has its own spy and
protection squad living in disguise all around us. (Beware!)
Another animal just below cow and
enjoying the supreme caste amenities is the elephant. This giant creature has been
a man’s friend of jungles since ages. Its strong mythological connection makes
it religiously at par with the cow. Its rank is next to cow only because it doesn’t
have any personal CAT agency and
relies only on NGOs and rural elephant lovers. Additional common reason can be
quoted as these two animals are vegans, though many others also are, but do not
enjoy the same status.
The next level of animal caste is
that of the predators-- Tiger, Lion, and Snakes. They are strong, powerful and ruthless.
Apolitical and avoiding public appearance, they are focused and very clear
about their targets. Fright and fanism go hand-in-gloves for them. These rich animal
slayers unaware of their assets have always been the target of even stronger
predators named humans who have been killing them for selfish reasons.
Next is the helper class. Horse,
buffalo, dog, donkey, camel, bull, yak and all the animals who have helped
human to share his load come under this roof. These poor things since ages have
been lured with food and love but have also been thrashed for performing. Despite
being loyal they get scolding yet never ditch their master. But they are never
considered important as they do not inherit any of the above exceptional
qualities.
In the lowest of all comes the
only animal that though matches the quality of cow has been always been looked
down. It is one-tenth of the cow’s weight, can be reared in-house, it is short
and sweet, and provides milk also. It's sound always seems like it complaining
against this partiality. More to this its unfortunate male counterpart has been
killed for ages for satisfying both religious and hunger demand, unlike bull
that enjoys a step above as a load runner. No other animal seems to be so underrated and deprived as are the poor goats.
There is still a class left which
is called no class. All the other animals can be put in this, as they don’t
have any worth for humans. They are just living their life. Those getting
killed for money, still have status but others die a natural death leaving no
significance to the society. Such animals live by their own and die unnoticed
ready to decay or become a feast for others. They serve but still go
disregarded.
So is the casteism in animals
with those having religious values are top-rated. This sounds so similar to our
own so-called hierarchy of caste among Indians. This caste system effect is so strong that
unknowingly we have created a hierarchy among animals also.
I Love India!
