What is the role of ideas of separation and hierarchy in the Caste system?

Solution

The caste system can be understood as the combination of two sets of principles, one based on difference and separation and the other on wholism and hierarchy.
Ideas of separation and hierarchy proved beneficial for some castes while others are condemned to life of endless labour and subordination. Each caste is supposed to be different from – and is therefore strictly separated from – every other caste.
Different and separated castes do not have an individual existence – they can only exist in relation to a larger whole, the totality of society consisting of all castes.
Economic or military/physical power is closely associated with social status so that those in tend to be of high status. People defeated in wars were assigned to low caste status. Each caste has its own place in the system which cannot be taken by any other caste. It allows no mobility.