I recently read a scholarly treatment on the subject of sati and whether it was really as widespread and pernicious as the colonising Empire claimed that it was. The verdict was: no, absolutely not.
Now I have to wonder about the caste system: this only came to the attention of outsiders and Westerners while the Empire was systematically destroying India, in terms of economy, morale, and unity.
What would have happened if the colonisers had not invaded, left India intact, and the inhabitants left to their own self-determination? Would caste discrimination be noticed here in North America? Would the Indian government, untainted by Western influences, be trying vainly to stamp it out and overcompensate with affirmative action and quotas? It really makes you wonder.
Now I have to wonder about the caste system: this only came to the attention of outsiders and Westerners while the Empire was systematically destroying India, in terms of economy, morale, and unity.
What would have happened if the colonisers had not invaded, left India intact, and the inhabitants left to their own self-determination? Would caste discrimination be noticed here in North America? Would the Indian government, untainted by Western influences, be trying vainly to stamp it out and overcompensate with affirmative action and quotas? It really makes you wonder.