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Hindu Caste System

Hindu Caste System. Social Structure in ancient India. Brahmin. Hindu priests & scholars Well-respected & well-educated. Perform rituals, influence laws, etc. Have to perform many religious duties every day, but lead extremely comfortable lives in general. Kshatriya. Ruling & warrior elite

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Hindu Caste System

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  1. Hindu Caste System Social Structure in ancient India

  2. Brahmin • Hindu priests & scholars • Well-respected & well-educated. Perform rituals, influence laws, etc. • Have to perform many religious duties every day, but lead extremely comfortable lives in general.

  3. Kshatriya • Ruling & warrior elite • Lead wars & create laws. Males expected to be strong and aggressive; females expected to be gentle and well-behaved. • Luxurious palaces, multiple wives, many belongings, & fine food. Even allowed to eat meat!

  4. Vaishya • Farmers, landowners, bakers, traders, money-lenders • Usually wealthy, but still toward the bottom of the caste system. They are responsible for constructing public buildings. Well-educated caste. • Considered an extremely important caste because of the work they do. Some resentment due to place in system versus wealth/importance.

  5. Shudra • “Unskilled” workers (cobblers, blacksmiths, maids, cooks) & slaves • Not untouchables, but still discriminated against. Had to use different temples & public buildings. • Significant difference between Vaishya & Shudra castes. • Spend most of the day doing menial work.

  6. Dalit – “Untouchables” • Butchering, street cleaning, latrine/sewer work. This work is “unclean” & contagious. • Forced to stay outside of village. Can’t use temples or schools. Not allowed to touch others. • Extremely poor, they were often harassed, murdered, and victims of violence.

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