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The Working Model
and these are regarded to be in the descending order of respectability. This feature is common both for the Digambaras and the Svetambaras. Apart from this there are some Digambaras who regard Digambaras as superior and Svetambaras as inferior. Such views are held by some Svetambaras also. Thougn such views are found in the Jaina community they are not given much importance and it has been expressed by many persons that these things must be removed as early as possible.
11. CASTE PANCHAYATAS
Under the caste system generally every caste possesses a Panchayata or a Council of Elders to supervise and control the various relations of its members. The Panchayata has got its own constitution, is required to perform certain functions and is given some powers. With a view to know these facts about the caste Panchayatas among the Jainas the question number 11 was asked. From the replies it may be noted that the Panchayata seems to be the most common feature of a caste among the Jainas. It has, however, been reported that castes like Golapurva, Bannore, Bagheravāla, Bogāra and Vaisya are not having caste Panchayatas; but it appears that as their present population is small they might be having regular caste Panchayatas formerly because there are many castes at present possessing Panchayatas only in name.
Generally speaking there seems to be no constitution for these Panchayatas. These are all old organisations and are not formed now. They are of a hereditary character in the sense that in general the office-bearers as well as the members are succeeded by their sons. The Panchayata of a place consists of a general body and a small committee of a few members. All adult caste members or only eldest members of families of that place constitute the general body and the leading persons of the caste form the small committee. Sometimes both the general body and the small committee are presided over by an influential person known as Setha' in Gujaratha, Sarapancha in Mahārāshtra and Yajamana' in South India. The office of the 'Setha' is always hereditary and his opinion counts much in deciding the matters. In some places the caste-organisation is known by the name Sangha' instead of by Panchayata'. At times instead of having a separate Sangha' for each place, a Sangha' is formed
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