Caste%20System

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Caste System

• Essential Questions
• How do social structures in India create a
  unique way of living?

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Key Terms

• Aryans
• Vedas
• Karma
• Dharma

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What is a Caste System?

• A caste system is a type of social structure
  which, divides people on the basis of inherited
  social status.
• People are divided into four classes, called
  Varna.
• Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras
• Below the four Varna is the Untouchables.

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Brahmans

• Considered to be at the top of society
• Often priests, preachers, and teachers skilled in
  knowledge of the Vedas.
• According to the Vedas, Brahmans were born of the
  mouth of Lord Brahma.

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Kshatriyas

• Means protector of gentle people
• They were landowners, kings and warriors
• Trained to use weapons and able to study the
  Vedas
• Considered high class only below the Brahmans

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Vaisyas

• Some landowners, merchants and herders-
  businessmen
• Educated in the Vedas
• Vaisyas were not considered to hold high social
  status

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Sudra

• Main purpose is to serve the other three castes
• Servants and peasants who later became the
  farmers and herders of society
• No education allowed
• Higher than only the untouchables

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Untouchables

• Considered to be below the caste system
• Other castes feared being contaminated by them
• Not allowed education or to even live inside the
  city
• Only allowed the lowest of jobs too unclean for
  any other class

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Group Assignment

• Each person in the group will randomly select one
  of the readings given. Which ever reading you are
  given is the caste you are a part of.
• As a group answer the question given, while
  remaining in the role of your caste. Only one
  sheet will be collected from each group.
• Include the names of each group member and the
  caste they have been assigned.

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Caste System Today

• Today it is considered ILLEGAL to practice
  untouchability or discriminate based on a persons
  caste.
• In 1997 K.R. Narayanan was elected President of
  India- He was born into a Dalit family
  (untouchable)
• Studies show that inter-caste marriages are on
  the rise
• Does the Caste System still have lasting effects?

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Essential Question

• How do social structures in India create a unique
  way of living?