Unit-2 Rural Social Structure

This unit deals with the major element of diversity of social life in India.

Describe the ‘jajmani system’.

Answer

The ‘jajmani’ system is found in Indian villages.
It is the relationship between patrons and clients, or Jajman and Kamin of different castes, generally within a village.
It is a process of exchange of goods and services between castes.
Some castes are patrons and some are clients.
It is an inherited relationship.
The jajmani rules are enforced by caste panchayats in rural India.