CASTE

(Lat. cast us, pure), term now usually a ociated with cla es of Hindu society. A development of Brahmanism, c. had originally four chief divisions— the Brahmans, a_ sacerdotal cla ; tural; and the Sudras, who were servants of the three preceding cla es. Out of these have grown many other sub-cla es. C. in modern India has preved a serious obstacle to civil progre and, religious reform by the restrictions and limitations it imposes upon marriage, trade, or profe ion, and the amenities of social intercourse. Time, however, is gradually breaking down these restrictions. (1832-99), Span. statesman; prof. of History and Philosophy in uniy. of Madrid, 41856; removed from his, profe orship for his attacks on the government, 1865; took part in the rising of 1866, was condemned to death, but made his escape to France, returning to Spain in 1868, on. the succe of the Revolution. In 1873 C. was app. dictator by the Cortes, but a year later he was compeiled te resign. He returned in 1876, and again took » in tical life, but finally einer ec haaee