Final answer:
In Hinduism, Reincarnation affects one's next life's caste based on Karma and is influenced by how well they follow their Dharma in the current life, contributing to a higher or lower status in the next reincarnation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concepts of Reincarnation, Karma, and Dharma deeply influence the Caste System in Hinduism. Reincarnation suggests that the soul is born into a new life after death, with its caste determined by prior actions encapsulated by Karma. Karma is the summation of a person's actions, with positive deeds potentially leading to rebirth into a higher caste, whereas negative deeds could result in a lower status or being. Dharma refers to the moral and righteous duties prescribed to each caste, and fulfilling one's dharma is believed to contribute to good karma and therefore a favorable rebirth. In contrast to the view that dharma has no impact on the caste system (option c), it is, in fact, integral to its religious and societal functions, as following one's dharma helps maintain the cosmic balance and societal order. This interplay ensures that the caste system is not only a social stratification but also a religiously sanctioned order. Thus, the belief system that encapsulates reincarnation, karma, and dharma collectively supports and justifies the hierarchical nature of the caste system.