In pairs complete the jigsaw on your desk

Questions What questions would you like to know about this picture? Write them on a post-it note and put them on the board. Put your jigsaw back into the envelope and put them at the side of the desk

The Hindu Caste System Learning Objectives: Know the different Hindu Castes Understand what it means to belong to the different castes Be able to explain the beliefs and duties associated with each caste

Activity I need 5 volunteers. You need to sort yourselves into an order based on: Your age Your surname Your birthday Why did you get into order in this way? Is it a fair way of organising yourselves? What other sort of groups could you get into?

Hindu beliefs Hindus believe that people are divided into groups called Varnas. Each person belongs to the same varna for their whole life. A person’s varna is based on how they have lived their previous lives. There are 4 main varnas, which are broken down into smaller groups called jatis or castes. These divide people according to their traditional jobs.

Task Read the statements on the paper-clipped cards. They describe what beliefs and duties each varna involves Put them into order based on which you think is the highest – lowest varna

The Brahmins (priests) Men who a have responsibility to understand, maintain & teach traditions & practices, & pass them on to others. Must set a good example.

The Kshatriyas Have a responsibility of leading & ruling others. Must make decisions in their community and protect the poor and weak. Traditionally been rulers & fighters.

The Vaishyas The goods for sale and the wealth in society come from members of this group. They are the business people and shop owners.

The Shudras These are people who carry out the manual and physical work which every community needs. They serve the needs of the other castes.

I thought there were only 4 varnas? Harijans These people are known as “untouchables”. They tend to complete the dirtiest jobs and are treated very unfairly. I thought there were only 4 varnas? Stick the statement cards onto your worksheet to show how the Hindu Caste System works.

Reflection Is it fair to have a system that makes some people “more important than others”? How do you think the untouchables feel about the work they have to do and the way they are treated?