Caste System

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

Key Terms

 Aryans  Vedas  Karma  Dharma

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.

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.

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

Vaisyas

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

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

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

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.

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?

Essential Question



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