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Hinduism in Ancient India 0 Epic Age: a period of time from 1000 to 500 BCE 0 Aryans: A group of people from Central Asia who migrated into North India around 1200 BCE. They were responsible for the Vedas. 0 Caste System: A form of social organization. 0 Monism: The belief that God and human beings are one.

Hinduism in Ancient India 0 Reincarnation: From the Sanskrit word samsura, meaning cycle of births and deaths. One’s next birth is determined by the karma of previous births. 0 Dharma: The fulfillment of one’s moral duty in this life so that the soul can make progress toward deliverance from punishment in the next life. 0 Upanishads: Body of sacred literature composed between 800 and 400 BCE. Several of the most important, influential, and subtle concepts for Hinduism.

Hinduism in Ancient India 0 Karma: Deed or action. The law of Hinduism which states that whatever action one does, those actions will bear fruits either in this life or in some future life. 0 Hinduism: Religion of the Hindus based originally on the Vedas. 0 Vedas: Large body of oral literature, preserved orally and in texts, sacred to the Hindus. Contains prayers, chants, and sacrificial details, etc.

The Caste System 0 Upper Class: 0 Brahman: priests and scholars 0 Kshatriyas: rulers and warriors 0 Middle Class: 0 Vaisyas: merchants, traders, and farmers 0 Lower Class: 0 Sudras: peasants bound to the land 0 Outcastes: also known as the Untouchables

The Caste System 0 The Caste System began in India after the Aryans invaded and established their own rules for governing society. They prohibited marriages between their own people and people of the cultures they conquered. 0 During the Epic Age four classes emerged. They included the top four on the previous slide. The Untouchables were so low that they were never mentioned or acknowledged in society.

The Caste System 0 Each caste had a specific place in society. They socialized, ate, married, worked, and worshipped within their own caste. They would never consider doing those things outside their caste. 0 They believed they could attain a higher caste position by leading a good life. The belief was derived from the Hindu religious teachings of reincarnation. They also believed they could be reincarnated into the body of an insect if they did not lead a good life in their current position.

Group Activity 0 Each person will be assigned a caste. 0 The Brahman is the most important person. Agree with anything they say. This is the wisest person. 0 The Kshatriya is an important person. The Kshatriya will protect you from other groups who may try to steal answers and will keep Untouchables at bay.

Group Activity 0 The Vaisyas is important but not as important as the other two. They record answers. They may try to give answer, however, they will be wrong, so laugh off anything they say. 0 The Sudras have little importance. Ignore what they say. They will turn in the assignment when done; otherwise pretend they don’t exist.

Group Activity 0 The Untouchables should be completely ignored. Do not talk to them nor should you acknowledge their presence. If they come near you, move away quickly so that you are not contaminated. 0 You will be given a group assignment. You will receive a grade based on completion and adherence to proper castes.