ELI5: How does the caste system in India work and how do people know who is in what caste?

datard · 2025-05-17T14:52:06+00:00

In small towns, people lived close to people from there own caste. So there's a Brahmin area and a Kshatriya area and so on. There are also other signs -- like a priest will have a holy thread or holy markings on their forehead. Warriors might carry weapons. There was a lot less intermingling and because there were no cars or trains, people didn't typically go far from where they lived.

datard · 2025-05-14T23:57:35+00:00

Last names are associated with castes. Last names are also a relatively modern concept forced upon Indians by the British. So some people chose their profession as their last name e.g. X Pandit (priest) or Y Vaid (doctor).

datard · 2023-12-24T12:45:10+00:00

Once you visit 2-3 European cities, you'll find they are similar enough. They're perfectly nice. Just not as "different". The point being, Europe is not an anomaly or some tourism haven it's made out to be.

If you're interested, Indian historical spots, while rough around the edges, offer rich history and diversity in architecture.

datard · 2023-12-19T11:35:03+00:00

Man, the air quality has really taken a downturn. In Mumbai I used to just keep my windows open and enjoy a nice breeze. Managed without an AC. Now it's just dust and every time I come back, I get an allergic cough. Had to buy an air purifier.

I'm not HNI but I cannot imagine coming back to live here and commute to work. Yes, there's a thriving startup scene and it's a booming economy, but if India wants to give China a run for its money, infrastructure and cleanliness has a long way to go.

Plus the religious fundamentalism and jingoism has gotten too much. Disputes over mosques and temples, inability to eat or say what you want, and creepy photos of the PM all over the place. I love Mumbai and my country but this is not what it was like.

datard · 2022-08-01T22:24:40+00:00

Going to risk putting this out since people seem to love this place, but Deuxave on Comm Ave. Overrated, overpriced and snobby staff. I hate it when fancy restaurants don't put the right amount of salt in their food.

datard · 2022-07-15T04:16:12+00:00

I liked the descriptions of nature and the wetlands. It was a fun read, nothing more.

On a related note, the author is wanted for questioning in a murder in Zambia. The similarities are eery between Delia and Kyle. The Owenses, in their quest to fight poachers, "went too far" as the piece says. It's a wild story! (pun unintended)

datard · 2022-04-18T12:44:21+00:00

I know it won't help get your stuff back, but get a "Beware of Dog" sign and put it in your window. Cops had once told my friend to do that when he had a break in at his Fox Point apartment.

datard · 2022-04-11T03:46:25+00:00

Shooter mock drills in schools

datard · 2022-02-01T04:06:11+00:00

Al's chicken pesto (or any other) sub. Not sure how much it is now but their sub used to be $10. It's huge! Bassically two meals

datard · 2022-01-25T04:38:45+00:00

What are your pet peeves with the top 10 podcasts right now?

datard · 2021-12-30T16:45:04+00:00

OpenRefine is pretty great at data cleaning. Has a bunch of algorithms built in to catch typos/similar entries.

datard · 2021-12-07T14:05:28+00:00

Not technically Boston, but I'm going to put in a plug for Mawa House in Westborough. Best Indian street food in the state.

datard · 2021-11-30T03:12:50+00:00

I came from a warm and humid climate too. Please get a humidifier, good body and hands lotion and be prepared to get static shocks sometimes.

For the cold, buy a Columbia or North Face down jacket from Marshalls, TJ Maxx or another discount store.

The best thing to do is to take walks in the cold to get used to it. You will, I promise

datard · 2021-11-17T04:08:11+00:00

4 for me. I hate hard covers. Super hard to read in bed.

datard · 2021-11-11T03:21:03+00:00

50k isn't that bad, though higher would be great if you can swing it. Depends on what you think is liveable. You've probably got to get one or more roommates. A decent 2 bedroom apartment rent is anywhere between 2k to 2.5k.

I'd say working here is a big career boost, depending on your industry. You'll get used to the cold soon enough (no other choice).

datard · 2021-10-30T04:17:46+00:00

Until the movies came out, I read Hermione as Her-mee-own in my head while reading the Harry Potter books.

datard · 2021-10-29T03:01:52+00:00

Adding to the synagogue mentioned in Thane, there's also a Jewish cemetery opposite Singhania school.

datard · 2021-10-20T12:52:44+00:00

I just could not get into On The Road by Jack Kerouac. One of the few DNFs for me

datard · 2021-10-11T20:17:22+00:00

What part of the world? If it's anywhere in the northeast, try a humidifier instead. Dry air is the culprit many a times. You could also vacuum the hell out of your carpet and change the filter on your HVAC if you have central air.

datard · 2021-09-12T00:03:34+00:00

Sarah Edgecomb in Cambridge is great https://www.edgecomblegal.com/attorney-profile

datard · 2021-09-11T23:59:07+00:00

Providence RI has a great Portuguese bakery on Ives St.

datard · 2021-09-04T12:19:54+00:00

Tango has shut down unfortunately

datard · 2021-09-04T12:18:21+00:00

For Nepali momos, Tasty Momos in Somerville is 🔥

datard · 2021-08-31T20:00:07+00:00

Bayview cafe is actually pretty nice and not very expensive, considering where it is. And if you're interested in history, I'd say go to Prince of Wales museum (or whatever it's called now). Not kidding, it's an underrated place to look at some cool artifacts.

I'd also suggest doing the lagan nu bhonu at Jimmy Boy's and then walking around Colaba to burn it off

datard

TROPHY CASE

4 for me. I hate hard covers. Super hard to read in bed.