Very well written article indeed is this one on the recent high-profile religious conversion of a Muslim in UP State, who was once a prominent Muslim Waqf Board numero uno.
Becoming a Hindu is not that easy. Even if a Waseem Rizvi turns into Jitendra Tyagi
The article raises the fundamental question whether Hindu jaathi or what is called Caste system is hierarchical or functional … whether Hindu society is structured vertically (like a multi-layered pyramid) or horizontally (as in plane concentric circles).
In my view, the traditional Hindu society envisages Varna , Ashrama and Jaathi to be distinct from each other in accordance with the evolving and dynamic order of duties called the respective Dharma of each … and hence I personally believe the structure of Hindu society was traditionally only functional/horizontal rather than hierarchical/vertical.
“Varna” is said to have been based on the “guNA” of a person: sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
“Ashrama” is said to have been based on the particular station in life one happens to be transiting in the journey of life : brahmacharya, Gruhastha, vaanaprastha and sanyaasa.
“Jaathi” is said to have been based on the marital pedigree of a person’s ancestry . That pedigree depends on “anuloma” and “Pratiloma” forms of co-sanguinity in marriage — either hypergamous or hypogamous — that had taken place for generations in his family lineage as far back as possibly known.
So, I would say it is only a combination of all the above factors taken into account that can possibly determine a Hindu convert’s exact identity, occupation, status and station within Hindu society.
There is no “one-size fits all” blanket category for anyone who converts to become Hindu.
In modern times since the time of even Ambedkar, so much has been transformed in Hindu society. There are really no great privileges or distinctions between Varna, Ashrama and Jaathi in Indian society. (Even marriage these days are hypogamous and hypergamous). Except other than for availing a wide range of benefits and sops of the various Reservation Policies of the State and then, of course, for the many ingenious purposes of electoral vote-bank politicking that is now endemic across India in all States, , it is no exaggeration to say that all communities within the Hindu society have been more or less homogenised under and by the Constitution. Varna, Ashrama and Jaathi have all been outlawed, outdated and excommunicated by the Constitution as social anathema. Therefore, it should not matter too much at all where and why Hindu converts like Rizvi alias Jitendra Singh Tyagi find niches for themselves within modern Hindu society. Wherever they find eventually themselves to be, I am pretty sure they will all do well for themselves in life, surely prosper and be proud, happy Indians.
Sarve Janaaha sukhino bhavanthu! Shaanthi, Shaanthi,Shaanthi !
Sudarshan Madabushi
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