The traditional Indian caste system was a vast and complex social stratification rooted in ancient beliefs that behaviour in this life affects the next. It was thought that, among other things, this would motivate people to reflect more deeply on their actions. The main castes, from highest to lowest in status, were the priests, rulers, farmers and labourers. Although the constitution of independent India banned discrimination on the basis of caste, and great efforts have been made to eradicate