Caste system in India
Sikh
### Sikh

The Sikh literature mentions *Varna* as *Varan*, and *Jati* as *Zat* or *Zat\-biradari*. Eleanor Nesbitt, a professor of Religion and author of books on Sikhism, states that the *Varan* is described as a class system, while *Zat* has some caste system features in Sikh literature. In theory, Sikh literature does not recognise caste hierarchy or differences, but, in practice, states Nesbitt, widespread endogamy practices among Sikhs have been prevalent in modern times, and poorer Sikhs of disadvantaged castes continue to gather in their own places of worship. Most Sikh families, writes Nesbitt, continue to check the caste of any prospective marriage partner for their children. She notes that all Gurus of Sikhs married within their *Zat*, and they did not condemn or break with the convention of endogamous marriages for their own children or Sikhs in general.

Although the [Sikh Gurus](/wiki/Sikh_Gurus "Sikh Gurus") criticised the hierarchy of the caste system, one does exist in [Sikh](/wiki/Sikh "Sikh") community. According to Sunrinder S, Jodhka, Sikhs belonging to the landowning dominant castes have not shed all their prejudices against the Dalits. While Dalits would be allowed entry into the village gurudwaras they would not be permitted to cook or serve langar (the communal meal). Therefore, wherever they could mobilise resources, the Dalits of Punjab have tried to construct their own gurudwaras and other local level institutions in order to attain a certain degree of cultural autonomy.

In 1953, the Government of India acceded to the demands of the Sikh leader, [Tara Singh](/wiki/Tara_Singh_%28activist%29 "Tara Singh (activist)"), to include Sikh castes of the converted untouchables in the list of scheduled castes. In the [Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee](/wiki/Shiromani_Gurdwara_Parbandhak_Committee "Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee"), 20 of the 140 seats are reserved for low\-caste Sikhs.


Why would Dalits not be permitted to cook or serve langar in village gurudwaras?