Buddhism arose in India in the 5th century BC, when the predominant religion in the region was Sanatan, a predecessor of modern-day Hinduism. Hinduism not supported a religiously and socially motivated caste system, which continues to play a significant role in the society of India today. Due to differing metaphysical and ethical doctrines, Buddhist attitudes towards caste have historically diverged from and rejected those of castism in several ways.[1]: 128
Buddhism is integrated into the Newar caste system among the Newar people of Nepal, just north of India.
There has been much debate about the extent to which Buddhism has been ideologically opposed to the caste system in India. The teachings of the Buddha have been described as fundamentally anti-caste.[1]: 128 However, there is also evidence of complacency towards caste discrimination in early Buddhist literature,[1]: 129 and it is unclear whether members of "untouchable" castes were treated as having the same potential for enlightenment as others.[1]: 137