The Caste System

1. The Caste System Introduction and Project Information

2. Untouchables MusiciansIn India musicians are part of the lowest caste.  They are Harijans (god's children) which used to be known as untouchables.  Though their music is enjoyed by many, the act of playing some of these instruments is considered to be unclean.  The saliva that is being blown into the horns is thought to be very unhygienic, there for not fit for people in higher castes to play these instruments.

3. These little girls are members of the lowest caste in the heirarchy.  They are a part of what used to be known as the untouchables.  They were called untouchables because people belived that they were so dirty that they were not fit to be touched by other people in higher castes.  Their jobs involve doing most of the cleaning, or what we might call "dirty work."  The name for them later changed from untouchables to Harijans, which means gods children.  Recently this caste would rather be reffered to as Dalit, which means oppressed.  In this particular picture the girls are making dung patties.  The dung from cows are taken and made into patties and set out to dry (as you can see the rows of them), these patties are then used to be burned as fuel or for heat.  Though it is the Harijans that have the task of making the patties, many other people from other castes benefit from them.

4. Kshatriya Rajput LandownerThis Rajput landowner is harvesting his crops.  He is a member of the caste Kshatriyas, which is right below the Brahmans.  He is important to the community because he is the main source of food.  He also is a protector.

5. Rajput Landowner Smoking HookaHere is a Rajput and his family on their land.  He is smoking a hooka, or water pipe.  He is a member of the caste Kshatriyas, which is right below the Brahmans.  He is important to the community because he is a farmer and is a main source of food.

6. Shudra Dhobi - WashermenDhobi are part of the Shudra. Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  They wash the clothing for all the different caste levels.  Without the Dhobi, everyone would walk around with dirty stinky cloths.

7. Barhi - CarpenterThe Barhi are a part of the Shudra caste.  Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  Duties range from making furniture to building houses. The Barhi carpenter shown above is shaping a board to become a piece of furniture.

8. Vaishya The ShopkeeperThis shopkeeper is a Vaishya. The Vaishya caste are shopkeeper and sell products, unlike the Shudra who sell services. In this very specialized shop above, the merchant sells nothing but aluminum pots. For brass or stainless steel, you'll have to go somewhere else.

9. PaanWallah (the Paan Maker)He is part of the Vaishya caste.  The Vaishya caste are shopkeeper and sell products, unlike the Shudra who sell services.  Paan is a type of chew made of betelnut and paan leaves that many Indians enjoy.  It is similar to chewing tobacco yet stains your teeth orange.  Paan comes in many different shapes and sizes with various flavors and consistencies.

10. Kumhar - SculptorKumhar is a Shudra.  Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  He provides art for the community to enjoy.  He also makes statues of gods to be worshiped. The Kumhar above is making images of the goddess of learning, Saraswati, to be purchased and worshipped during SaraswatiPuja in February. At the end of the puja (worship), all these beautiful images are abandoned in streams and ponds.

11. Brahman Priests, Judges, Teachers or Scholars

12. Project Info Day 1 This Journal Entry is an overall review of who you are. • Write about yourself. Who are you?Write about your family. Who are they, where are you and your family from?Also choose three of the four items listed below: • Describe your caste. • Describe your historical roots. • Diagram your position in relation to other castes.