Guntur: A Center for Social Reorganisation

Abstract

Society in Guntur district is based on traditions like the societies in other districts of Andhra Pradesh. The people of Guntur have followed Varna System in a strict manner. The Sudra Varna is divided into professional castes which are to serve the society in large. The marriages among Hindus are celebrated on the basis of customs sanctioned by Dharma Sastras. Similarly, Bible and Quran have prescribed rules for the marriages performed in their respective religions. Dowry system is common among all religions. But widow marriages could not be found in Hinduism as Hindu marriage is being considered as sacred. But widow marriages are common among Christian and Muslim communities. The position of women is not appreciable in all societies. But Hindu women have enjoyed a kind of status. The brahmanical culture which is source of Hinduism was condemned by non-Brahmins in 20 th century. Non-Brahmins are appointed as priests in the temples. They performed marriages like Brahmins. They have conducted funeral ceremonies which is the duty of the Brahmins in general. The non- Brahmins philosophers have propagated reason among the people. They have condemned the Vedas and Puranas. These issues have been highlighted in full text paper.