About Jajmani system in India

1. FEBIN JOHNSON
SME-2013-21-13

2.  Jajmani system or Yajmani system was an
Indian caste system and its interaction
between upper caste and lower caste
 According to Jajmani system there is
exchange of goods and services between
landowing higher castes and landless service
castes
 The landed higher castes jajman or the
patron and the service castes are jajman

3.  Interactions between the oonchi zat(upper
caste) and neechi zat (lower caste) are
regulated by established patron-client
relationships of the jajmani system, the
upper caste being referred to as ‘Jajmans’
and the lower caste as ‘Kamin’
 Jajmani system is the backbone of rural
economy and social order
 The first detailed study of jajman tradition
in India was made by William .H. Wiser in his
books “The Indian jajmani system”

4.  In India professions are generally hereditary
and there is a long tradition of families
carrying on self-same professions over
generations
 In Jajman system, Jajman enjoys so much
respect that he is often referred to as
Rajah(King) and Prajan as subjects

5.  Relationships under Jajmani was permanent
 Jajmani was hereditary
 Castes received grains against services
rendered
 Barter system

6.  Occupational protection
 Economic security
 Security of service
 Personalized close relation

7.  Great impediment to occupational and social
mobility
 Leads to exploitation
 Based on the sense of high caste and low caste
system