Question

What do you mean by Jajmani System?

Answer 1

• The Jajmani System refers to a traditional socio-economic system in Indian villages where different castes provided hereditary services to each other, based on mutual exchange. In this system, the landowning or dominant caste (called Jajman) received services from other castes like barbers, potters, blacksmiths, and washermen (called Kameen), and in return, compensated them with grains, goods, or services instead of money.
• It was a system of interdependence and reciprocal obligations, deeply rooted in the caste structure. While it provided economic support and a sense of duty among castes, it also reinforced social hierarchy and inequality, particularly for the lower castes. The system has declined with modernisation, monetisation, and social mobility.