Social Structure

I. The Vedas II. Rig-Veda A. Aryan “Books of Knowledge” B. Legends, poems, and histories C. Written in Sanskrit D. Describe tribal kingdoms, politics Little or no unification Basis of religion: Hinduism 1200-500 B.C.- The Vedic Age Four Vedas total II. Rig-Veda A. 1000 B.C. B. One of the oldest religious texts in world The Vedas are Hindu religious texts.

Twice-Born Groups

C. Explains the “four limbs" Varnas- Social Castes Four Aryan Social Classes 1. Brahmans a. The “mouth” b. Priests c. Study and teach the Vedas d. Perform religious rituals e. Marriageable only to other Brahmin 2. Kshatriyas a. The arms b. Warriors, leaders, generals c. Society leaders (mayors, etc.)

3. Vaisyas 4. Sudras a. The thighs b. Merchants, artists, traders, farmers 4. Sudras a. The feet b. Unskilled laborers

D. Below the Sudras are the Pariahs, or Untouchables 1. Not considered a Varna 2. Slaves & others considered without worth 3. Considered unpure or “unclean” 4. Cannot be touched by other classes 5. Slaughters, leather workers, sewers 6. Live outside communities 7. Today, illegal to label someone as an “untouchable” - though 1/6 of the population is a Dalit (oppressed) – 160 million people 8. Ghandi’s work based on ending the caste system

REVIEW - What is the Indian word for a social caste? - What does the Rig-veda call each of these groups? - How many groups of people exist in India? - Which castes are reserved for the native Dasas? - Who is at the top and bottom of the caste sytem?

Video Please pay close attention to the video on Untouchables in modern India. I have no questions for you, but please be watching the video (i.e. no ipads, phones, yada yada)

Quickwrite The quickwrite for today is fairly simple: - Please reflect on the video on modern India. - What are your thoughts about the “Untouchables” and their treatment in our current world? (Yes! This is happening RIGHT NOW!) Think about their living conditions, work, education, etc.

E. Results By 500 B.C., system set. Continues today Much like feudalism Cannot change Varna Cannot marry outside caste Cannot mix socially Everybody in society permanently ranked