chindia and inflation., page-19

one poster talked about the tyranny of the Chinese authoritarian political system and praised the virtue of India's parliamentary democracy. In that kind of simplistic comparison, one overlooks the role certain cultural traditions play to this day in each of the society: in the case of China, Confucius' and Lao Tze's teachings, and in India, the Castle System.

The Caste System in India

extract from the above article:

"India has a hierarchical caste system in the society. Within Indian culture, whether in the north or the south, Hindu or Muslim, urban or village, virtually all things, people, and groups of people are ranked according to various essential qualities. If one is attuned to the theme of hierarchy in India, one can discern it everywhere. Although India is a political democracy, in daily life there is little advocacy of or adherence to notions of equality."