印度穆斯林种姓摭议

穆斯林种姓是印度乃至南亚地区的特殊历史文化现象,它形成于中世纪时的印度,经历一定的发展变化后,以一种隐性的方式呈现。从构成形式上来讲,印度穆斯林种姓依出身尊卑划分为阿什拉夫、阿吉拉夫和阿贾尔;各种姓集团也具有传统的印度教种姓制度的一些基本特征,即存在等级秩序、流行内婚的习俗、部分种姓与世袭的职业有传统的关联。印度穆斯林种姓与印度教种姓制度并不具有同等意义。种姓作为印度穆斯林社会关系的一部分,呈现出其自身的一些特点。从整体结构来看,印度穆斯林种姓分为两大部分,即源于穆斯林群体特有的等级关系和源于种姓制度的等级关系,因而体现出混合文化的特质。

Some Dimensions of Muslim Caste in India

Muslim caste is a special social-cultural phenomenon in India and even in South Asia.It appeared under a given historical and practical background,experienced certain development,then presented in a hidden way.The caste among Muslims in India is comprised of Ashraf,Ajraf and Azal in structure.Certain fundamental characteristics of traditional Hindu caste system are also found among Indian Muslims,namely,a hierarchically order operates among Indian Muslims,the various groups in the hierarchy are endogamous,some of the castes have traditional links with hereditary occupations,etc.Muslim caste in India differs from the Hindu caste model in certain details.Muslim caste in India constituted of two parts,which epitomizes mixed culture attributes.