How did Hinduism provide hope for the lower caste?

Answer 1

In order to answer provide a satisfying answer, one should be aware of the differences between the term jati and varna. Both these terms can be loosely translated into the word 'caste'. Jati refers to one's heritage, family and any genetic predisposition an individual ingerits from his/her family. Varna, on the other hand indicates the mental tendency of the individual concerned. It depends very much on one's inclinations and desires. If one desires knowledge of God and develops unflinching faith and devotion in God, without expecting material benefits from Him in return, then he should be considered a Bramhana. If one desires posts of authority and governence or displays a tendency to protect the weak and disabled from harm, then he can be considered a Kshatria. If one desires the accumulation of wealth and enjoyment of luxuries, then he is a Vaishya by nature. Similarly, if one desires sense-pleasures and does not really enquire into the nature of God, then he is a Sudra. From this we should understand that birth may have an effect on your Varna, but is not a defining factor. The three upper castes, particularly the Bramhanas are therefore respected simply because they sacrifice positions of authority, desires for wealth and pleasures of the senses to contemplate on the meaning of the scriptures and the glory of God. By the process of purification and acceptence of Vedic regulative principles, even if you are born in the house of a dog-eater, one could slowly move up to becoming a Bramhana simply by his action

Answer 2

The hope generally believed in by Hindus considered to have been born in a lower caste is to either:

1. Follow the path of ritual action and conform to your role in life. An example would be, if you are a servant, be the best possible servant you can be. Accepting your role and living in accordance with the Dharma of your role, is considered to accumulate good karma, which will in turn, will result in you being reincarnated into a higher caste in the next life.
2. Follow the path of devotion to a particular god in order to gain favor. If you gain enough favor with this god then perhaps the god will rescue you from the cycle of samsara and grant you access to the true reality that the gods dwell in.