The Hindu caste model and the Muslim system of stratification in Bangladesh

Arefeen, Helaluddin Khan Shamsul (1975) The Hindu caste model and the Muslim system of stratification in Bangladesh. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (26MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to study social stratification patterns among the Muslims of Bangladesh. The thesis also aims at resolving the controversy over whether or not the Muslims of Bangladesh follow the Hindu caste system. In fact most of the authors who write on Muslim stratification old that it is a form of Hindu caste. But my research indicates that the Muslims of Bangladesh do not follow the Hindu caste system; rather they follow closely the principles of stratification prevalent in early Islamic Arabia. For instance, it is found in the investigation that the fundamental basis of stratification in Bangladesh as well as in early Islamic Arabia is the reckoning of nobility of descent. Moreover, data on the Bangladesh Muslim society show some distinctive features which are different from the features found in Hindu caste. For example, unlike Hindu caste, Muslim stratification is flexible, wealth plays an important role in determining social status, and there is an absence of any purity-pollution distinctions. This thesis also includes twelve case studies from different authors. These cases are reflective of the basis, and the unique features of the stratification existent among the Muslims of Bangladesh. The thesis has two basic conclusions: (1) the Muslims of Bangladesh do not follow Hindu caste model and (2) the application of the concept of caste in studying the Muslim society of Bangladesh is not suitable.

Actions (login required)

View Item