Utopias tend to be organized around a universal ideal; an ideal which all members of the community accept, agree with, and are motivated to strive for. In many cases, a set structure of living is implemented so that the members of the community can work together for the benefit of all. In the following essay, I plan to explain the utopian society currently in practice in modern day India. I will discuss the basics of the Hindu Caste system and demonstrate how nicely it fits into the definition of a utopia. In addition, I also plan to explore the parallels between the current caste system in India, and the social and structural ideas proposed by Sir Thomas More in his classic book Utopia.Allow me to begin my exposition by diving deep into one of the most misunderstood cultures in the modern world; a culture of ancient wisdom and colorful tradition; the culture of Hinduism in India. At first glace, the Hindu society, one finds a very structured way of life; a social system in which individuals are divided into distinct, close knit communities. This type of hierarchical division is known as a caste system. With its roots in the religion of Hinduism, those Hindu and non-Hindu alike are affected by the social power of the Indian structure. Generally speaking, there exist four major divisions in caste. In each division, individuals are assigned certain duties in society. The word dharma is used to describe ones social duties. One is only allowed to perform those duties assigned to him/her by ones particular caste. In religious terms each caste is called a Varna. The highest level of the hierarchy contains those of the highest education. All the spiritual leaders, teachers, and philosophers, belong to this class and are given the title Brahman. The following Varna is titled Kshatria. This class is composed of the aristocrats and rulers. Their duty is to keep order. The next class in the hierarchy is called Vaisia. It is composed of busines...
