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

• Main Author: Arefeen, Helaluddin Khan Shamsul
• Other Authors: Memorial University of Newfoundland. Dept. of Anthropology
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 1975
• Subjects: Social classes > Bangladesh; Bangladesh > Social conditions; Newfoundland studies; University of Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/theses2/id/245331

Thesis (M.A.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1976. Anthropology Bibliography: leaves 118-130. -- Missing page 77, but text follows. 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.