Casteism in animals

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!