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Intro Activity

Intro Activity. I am going to give you a card in a moment DO EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS TO DO! DO NOT TALK TO EACH OTHER UNLESS THE CARD SAYS TO. We will discuss this activity afterwards…. The Caste System. Chapter 3

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Intro Activity

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  1. Intro Activity • I am going to give you a card in a moment • DO EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS TO DO! DO NOT TALK TO EACH OTHER UNLESS THE CARD SAYS TO. • We will discuss this activity afterwards…

  2. The Caste System Chapter 3 EQ: What is it and what is its origins? How did Indian society ensure social order?

  3. Origins of the Caste System • Aryans migrated from Central Europe and settled in the very fertile Indus Valley. • Aryans were very clever. They implemented division of labor in their society. The most clever members of society were selected and given the task to teach others. • The bravest people were selected and given the task to protect society. • The dullest types of individuals who were able to tolerate a heavy workload were selected and given the task of supplying labor to others whenever needed. • The rest of the people of the society were given the tasks to grow food, produce materials, trade, and supply the goods to others. • ALL of these divisions were recorded in their Vedic texts (Puranas & Bhagavad Gita), which became the basis of the Hindu faith

  4. The Levels • According to the sacred texts, Lord Brahma created 5 levels: • 1: Brahmans – the priests/religious leaders who recite and learn the Vedas • 2: Kshatriyas – warriors, leaders, nobles, landowners • 3: Vaishyas – merchants and traders • 4: Sudras – those who work with their hands, included farmers, artisans, carpenters, etc. • 5: Untouchables (Harijan) - included morticians and anyone who did unclean things, homeless, mentally disabled, prostitutes, etc

  5. Rules, Regulations, Other STUFF • Interactions between castes was limited, most interaction was top down ( i.e.. Brahmins could talk to lower castes but not vice versa) • EVEN WITHIN CASTES, there were levels, called jati. • For example, in the Vaishya caste, a store owner would be higher than a traveling merchant. In most cases, same rules of interaction would apply • MARRIAGE was limited to only members of your caste, even your own jati.

  6. Rules, Regulations, Other STUFF • Each caste even has dietary restrictions • Brahmans are vegetarians • Other castes could be limited to certain meats and spices • Remember, Hindus do not eat cows (they’re sacred) • THE ONLY WAY TO CHANGE CASTE WAS TO DIE! • Remember, karma, dharma, etc. lead to reincarnation…the only way to change caste is to lead a good life, die, and hope to come back as something better

  7. Effects of the Caste System • Assured a stable social order • The connection to religion and karma • Created a sense of identity and interdependence • Cooperation amongst jati • Created the need to work together in harmony • Adapted to changing conditions • Was accepting of foreigners and foreign beliefs, creating new jati, new roles

  8. For the remainder of time… • Read “Inequality as the Social Norm” Pages 62-63 • You should also be adept on Readings #19 & #22 in Volume 1 (PREP SOME NOTES!) • I/O Thursday on this topic…PREP NOTES • Discussion on Social Inequities, caste system, classes, gender, etc.

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