Jāti system of Kerala
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The Jāti hierarchial order of Kerala society, in the past, was a means of delegating duties and profession to people. Now considered to be outdated and unnecessary, it merely assumes a historical value. Note: This article has been named "Jāti system" since the Vedic "Varna system" is not applicable to south India.
The Namboothiri Brahmins of Kerala traditionally referred to anyone less than themselves, including other Brahmins though apart from Malayala Kshatriyas, as Sudras.
[edit] Discrimination
Up until the 20th century, the jati system of Kerala was rigidly upheld, especially by the Nambuthri clergy and Savarna nobility. Swami Vivekananda said that, "Kerala is a lunatic asylum of castes", as he noted the puritanism and excessive practice of untouchability and "aitheetam" present in Keralite society (more so than in other parts of India), which inevitably led to discrimination of people based upon their jati.
However due to Social Reform Movements, many of the discriminatory ways have been discarded and today all members of society are to be treated equally, however in practice there are some differences in opportunity for people of different castes (See Reservation in India).
[edit] Dissolution of Jati System
Note the above professions and castes were the arrangements in the past, and merely of historical value. Today, men and women from all jatis have equal opportunity and the ability to achieve whatever goals or undertake any profession they wish to pursue, except for certain jati such as the Ezhavas and tribal populations (both classified as OBC), who receive government support. All members of all these castes have played a significant role in society, and today the jati of a person holds little relevance outside of marriage.
