This photograph shows the Hindu/Buddhist temples at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The temples were built in the early twelfth century for King Suryavarman II, Emperor of the Khmer Empire from 1113 AD to 1145-1150 AD and the builder of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world which he dedicated to the Supreme God Vishnu. His reign's monumental architecture, numerous military campaigns and restoration of strong government have led historians to rank Suryavarman as one of the empire's greatest kings. The temples were originally Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu. However, this changed in the fourteenth or fifteenth century, when the temples were converted for the uses of Theravada Buddhism, the religion for which they remain in use today. The temples fell into disrepair after the sixteenth century, but remain an important part of the Cambodian economy, as they are a primary tourist destination for those visiting the country. The likeness of the temples adorns the Cambodian flag. CITATION: Angkor Wat. "Buildings Across Time:

1. How could someone studying this temple tell that it was not first a Buddhist construction? 2. Examine the position of Cambodia on a map; why do you suppose it was subject to both Hindu and Buddhist influences? 3. Examine this picture. How expensive does it appear that this temple was to make? What would this indicate about the Khmer Empire at the time of its construction? Angkor Wat This photograph shows the Hindu/Buddhist temples at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The temples were built in the early twelfth century for King Suryavarman II, Emperor of the Khmer Empire. The temples were originally Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu. However, this changed in the fourteenth or fifteenth century, when the temples were converted for the uses of Theravada Buddhism, the religion for which they remain in use today. The temples fell into disrepair after the sixteenth century, but remain an important part of the Cambodian economy, as they are a primary tourist destination for those visiting the country. The likeness of the temples adorns the Cambodian flag. CITATION: Angkor Wat. "Buildings Across Time: An Introduction to World Architecture." Copyright (c) 2004, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. © 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education 3

The caste system in India was developed after the migration of the Indo-Aryan peoples into the region during the second millennium BCE. "Caste" refers to a person's standing in society. There are four castes within the Indian caste system: Brahmins (priestly caste), Kshatriyas (warrior caste), Vaishyas (merchant caste), and Shudras (artisan/agriculturist caste). The Harijan, or "untouchables," stand outside the caste system. In the image shown here, a group of Brahmins from Bengal gather to read. Throughout much of India's history, Brahmins dominated politics and religion, creating tension among the other castes. Recently, India instituted legislation that outlaws discrimination based on caste in education and employment.

1. Is the concept of caste based on race? 2. Why was it necessary for India to institute legislation against discrimination? 3. Can you think of any examples of social hierarchies similar to the caste system in other societies you have studied? How are they similar or different?