Jajmani System

Jajmani system is considered as the backbone of rural economy and social order.
It is a system of traditional occupational obligations. In rural India Jajmani system
is very much linked with caste system.
The term “Jajman” has been taken from the Sanskrit word “Yajman”, which
means a person who performs a yajna. Thus, if some yajna is to be performed
for that the services of some Brahmins are essentially needed. It was gradually
that its use was made common to everyone who hired services or to whom the
services were given.
The Jajmani system is a system of distribution whereby high caste land owning
families are provided services and products of various lower castes such as Khati
(Carpenter), Nai (Barber), Kumhars (Potters), Lobars (Blacksmiths), Dhobi
(Washer man), Sweeper (Chuhra) etc. The servicing castes are called Kamins
while the castes served are called Jajmans. Or in other words, Jajmani system
can be defined as a patron-client relationship.
In villages, durable relations are made mainly between food-producing families
and the families that supply them with goods and services. William H. Wiser’s
study of a village in Uttar Pradesh reveals that these relations are called Jajmani
in Hindi. In Maharashtra, they are known as “Balutdarl”.
In Jajmani system, at the centre is the family of agriculturists, the zamindars.
They receive services from the families of occupational castes. One who receives
services is known as Jajman, the patron. The families that provide services are
known as Kamin, Kam Karney waley or Kamgars (workers). In other parts of India,
terms such as Parjan, Pardhan, Balutedar etc. are also used for the providers of
goods and services.
The first detailed study of Jajmani tradition in India was made by William H.
Wiser. Both Kamin and Jajman are Integral part of the jajmani system and thus
complementary to each other.
Advantages of Jajmani System:
1. Security of Occupation:
Security of occupation is guaranteed in case of jajmani system. Since this system
is hereditary, the kamin is assured of his occupation. He knows that if he breaks
his family occupation he shall not be able to earn his livelihood.
2. Economic Security:
It provides economic security to kamins as the jajman looks after all of their
needs. The kamins are assured of their economic security. In every monetary
crisis the jajman helps the kamins. They extend all possible help to the kamins.
So there is economic security in the jajmani system.
3. Close and Intimate Relationship:
There is close and intimate relationship between the jajman and kamin. This
relationship is not purely economical but it is sentimental and internal. A spirit
of fellow feeling and brotherhood develops under this system. Both jajman and
kamin know full well each other’s limitations as well as plus points.
So, they try to adjust each other. Jajmani system is hereditary and permanent,
that is why both jajman and kamin sympathies for each other. This system
creates an atmosphere conducive to peaceful living and co-operation.
4. Peaceful Living:
The cut-throat-competition for work or employment is almost absent in jajmani
system. No jajman goes without service nor any kamin goes without food. So this
system creates an atmosphere of peaceful living by creating the spirit of fellow-
feeling and co-operation.
Disadvantages of Jajmani System:
1. Source of Exploitation:
Jajmani system is exploitative. The agricultural castes, which are invariably upper
castes, seek the services of the occupational castes, which Eire generally lower
castes. The exploitation of lower castes continues under the garb of paternal ties.
Like the caste system, this system has become a source of suppression,
exploitation and discrimination.
2. Feeling of Superiority and Inferiority:
In this system, the kamins are considered low whereas the jajmems are placed
high. This has resulted in social inequality and feeling of superiority and
inferiority in the minds of both Jajman and kamin. Because this system is based
on heredity, the kamin cannot take other Job or occupation and the advantage
of latest scientific developments to improve his economic condition.
3. Impediment to Occupational and Social Mobility:
Jajmani system has stood on the way of occupational mobility and resulted in
lowering economic standard of the kamins. This system is hereditary, so there is
no possibility of changing the occupation. In this way the system has checked
social mobility. The conditions of the kamins remain miserable because of their
economic weaknesses.
4. Supported by Caste System:
Caste system is the basis of jajmani system. So this system suffers from all the
evils of caste system. Dr. Majumdar found in his study that the conditions of
kamins are miserable and the upper castes subject them to great harassment
and trouble.
They are ill-treated by the Jajmans. This system leads to widespread
discrimination. There is exploitation and coercion. Dumont has pointed out that
this system has to satisfy all those who enter into jajmani relationships.
5. Effect of Transport and Communication:
Due to rapid expansion of transport and communication, the system is in a
decline. Because it has made easy for the kamins to seek job or other occupation
outside their village. Now the kamins are no longer compelled to do the Job of
Jajmans.
6. Impact of Social Reform Movement:
Due to the impact of social reform movements, the suppressed castes get
benefits. They try to rise up in the social ladder. Various religious reform
movements, like Arya Samaj have produced one of the greatest setbacks to the
Jajmani system.