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BALI TRADITION AND RELIGION
- BALI'S CASTE SYSTEM -
Balinese society is founded on the Hindu caste system,
although in a somewhat simpler form than that practiced in
India. In Bali, there are four castes; Sundras, the peasants
who comprise over 90% of the population, Wesias, the warrior
caste, which also includes traders and some nobility, Satrias,
the caste of kings, and Pedanas, the holy men and priests (brahman).
The caste of a person is indicated by their title; Ida Bagus
for brahman, Anak Agung or Dewa for Satrias, and I Gusti for
Wesias.
Each caste has its own language, and a separate dialect exists
to enable someone to address one of unknown caste to avoid
disrespect. The national language of Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia),
which is taught in schools simplifies communication somewhat,
although at the expense of cultural diversity.
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