Question

Explore any four characteristics of the Jajmani system.

Answer 1

It is a system of economic, ritual and social ties among different caste groups in a village. The word ‘Jajman’ originates from the Sanskrit ‘jajna’ meaning ‘one who has rites performed’. It involves two sets of people- the ‘Jajman’ or patron and ‘Kamin’ or client.

Characteristics:

1. It was a traditional caste-based exchange system. It can also be viewed as a system of occupational obligation between castes.
2. Jajmani rights were permanent and hereditary like property rights. They did not allow for any kind of upward social mobility to the Kamin.
3. This system had an arrangement for payment in kind.
4. One Kamin could serve more than one Jajman.
5. The system established closer family links among Jajman and Kamin. It added to village solidarity as some Jajmans took care of the wellbeing of their Kamins but also restricted the Kamin to that order.
6. Jajmani relationships were exclusive.
7. Jajmani relationships were multiple.
8. This system has been criticised for being based on coercion and exploitation.