Muslim Social Stratification in India: The Basis for Variation

Abstract

Despite close similarities between Muslim and Hindu stratification in India, anthropologists have been aware of differences. Muslim stratification is looser, purity considerations are less important, and social mobility is easier than they are among Hindu castes. The basis for these differences is found in the structure of Muslim stratification and in the Muslim view of social order. Does Muslim stratification represent "caste" in the same sense as the Hindu form? There is no simple answer. This is in part because the nature of Muslim stratification varies throughout India. A typology of forms reveals a range between true caste (comparable to the Hindu form) and organization into classes. Possible causes of this variation are suggested.