What seperates a Brahmin (upper caste) from a Dalit (lower caste)?

Question

So are Dalits a different race/ethnicity from Brahmins, or just a different class (like, poor, rich e.t.c.)?

Answer 1

Dalit- In the Indian caste system, a Dalit, often called an untouchable, is a person who does not have any varnas. Varna refers to the Hindu belief that most humans were created from different parts of the body of the divinity Purusha. The part from which a varna was created defines its social status for issues such as who they can marry and what jobs they can do.[1] Dalits fall outside varnas system and have historically been prevented from doing any but the most menial jobs.[1] They are also known as outcastes. (However, a distinction must be made between lower-caste people and Pariahs.) Included are leather-workers (called chamar), poor farmers and landless laborers, scavengers (called bhangi or chura), street handicrafters, folk artists, clothes washers dhobi etc. Traditionally, they were treated as pariahs in South Asian society and isolated in their own communities, to the point that even their shadows were avoided by the upper castes. Discrimination against Dalits still exists in rural areas in the private sphere, in ritual matters such as access to eating places and water sources. It has largely disappeared, however, in urban areas and in the public sphere, in rights of movement and access to schools[2]. The earliest rejection of discrimination, at least in spiritual matters, was made as far back as the Bhagavada Gita, which says even they (along with women and despicable foreigners) are not barred from enlightenment.
Brahmin- A Brahmin (anglicised from the Sanskrit adjective brahmin "belonging to Brahma", also known as Brahman brahmán "belonging to bráhman"; Vipra, Dvija "twice-born", Dvijottama "best of the twice born" or Bhūsura "earth-god") is considered to be the highest class (varna) in the Indian caste system of Hindu society [1] [2], although this status has been regarded by some as too simplistic, given the history and complexity of the Indian caste system [3].

Brahmin is a class (Varna) within the larger fold of Hindu society found all over the world especially India and Nepal. "Brahmin" in early history was a title given to an individual who was learned in the holy scriptures and had demonstrated a high level of knowledge in the Vedas. This in turn manifested itself in the role often assumed by the Brahmin class as the traditional teachers, advisers and custodian of matters spiritual for the ruling aristocratic Rajputs or Kshatriyas. In early history there was no restriction for one to become a Brahmin, as long as he or she demonstrated the knowledge and skills to perform priestly duties. Hence, the word "Brahmin" which means "knower of God" is more definitive of knowledge and spiritual learning than clan or caste. The alternative definition according to earliest Vedic Sruti sources, is that the Brahmins constitute a distinct clan coming from one of the bloodlines of seven major gotras or lineages from seven Rishis (later eight, then ten, then twelve) from which the original Brahmin community carry their spiritual power.

The Nirukta (Etymology) of sage Yaska says Brahmam Jānati iti Brāhmaṇam — A Brahmin is a person who knows Brahmam or Brahman, the ultimate reality; the energy which pervades all or God or supreme knowledge. Hence Brahmin means, "knower of God".

Brahmins have traditionally been considered to be the highest caste in the Indian caste system by various Indologists and historians. However, some authors claim that this status is too simplistic, given the complexities and realities of the Indian caste system. Although Brahmins were given deference in matters of knowledge, religion and spirituality, military and aristocratic classes such as the Rajputs (who were Kshatriyas) considered themselves to be the highest, and looked upon Brahmins as "other-worldly". It has been argued that since every community had a different outlook on life, it is difficult to place them in a straight hierarchy [3].

Answer 2

It is your birth. Otherwise a dalit can become as learned as a brahmin given a fair chance.

Answer 3

You are a member of a certain caste simply by being born into it. Originally, I believe castes were taken by force (such as kingdoms were), but now it's a birthright and can't be changed.

I, personally, believe that the caste system is a facilitator of racism and hate crimes and should be done away with.

Answer 4

It is an ancient and outdated belief that has no place in today's modern world, where many people formerly of lower caste have risen to positions of wealth and status, much to the annoyance of (and sometimes violent treatment by) so called higher caste people.

Answer 5

nothing that i in the least value
i am an indian n a hindu n i sincerely tell u still dont know what castes are we s'posed to be in....they say i am a 'kayastha'...but i never cared..nor do ..nor will...all of that is a load of bullcrap

Answer 6

Nothing except a rigid social structure.

Answer 7

Years of discrimination and suppression.
And it is still being perpetuated today.
You'd think they'd learn.

Answer 8

The size of the dot.

Answer 9

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_caste_system