1. Hinduism and the Caste System BY: Sharon Westerholm La Vernia High School

2. Background on India  Great diversity, shared cultural traits  Caste system & the Hindu religion serve as two major unifying forces in Indian culture  This is most visible within the village setting (approx. 75% of more than 900 million people live in about 600,000 villages)

3. Hinduism  one of the oldest religions dating back to 1,000 BC  is polytheistic and based on a series of rebirths that eventually leads to salvation.  Each reincarnation leads to improvement in economic and social standing

4. Hindu deities Ganesha Vishnu

5.  approximately 83-85% of the population of India practice Hinduism  This belief system has led to a remarkable spiritual tolerance for poverty & earthly suffering.

6. 3 major points to remember about Hinduism  Reincarnation…born and reborn many times.  Karma…states that a person’s social position in the next life depends upon his/her conduct in the present life.  Dharma…provides a code of behavior or set of moral & ethical rules governing conduct of each social class. (Upper class Hindu & lower class Hindu have different set of rules (Dharma) to live by.)

7. Other characteristics…  Like Buddhists and Muslims, Hindus will avoid items that will cause spiritual pollution…certain kinds of food and drink.  Food is considered a prime source of spiritual pollution.  Hindu priests carry a begging bowl and survive by begging for food.

8. India’s caste system …is a type of social organization in which a person’s occupation and position in life determined by the circumstances of his/her birth. …You are born into a particular caste and will remain a part of that caste all of your life! …determines who you will marry, your social contacts, and all other aspects of your life!

9. Where did the idea of the caste system come from? The ideas about role of classes in society was developed by the RigVedas. This is the Hindu holy book.

10. 5 major divisions of caste system  Brahmin (priests/teachers)  Kshatriya (warriors)  Vaisya (merchants/farmers)  Sudra (laborers)  Dalits (Untouchables…so low that they are actually outside the caste system and are not a caste)

11. In 1950, the government abolished the caste system however, long standing traditions do not die easily. Less prevalent in the cities but remains highly visible in the villages.

12. Other cultural facts… India won its independence from Great Britain in 1950. Mohadas K. Gandhi led India’s fight for independence from Britain. He used strategies such as “sit-ins” and hunger strikes. By using these strategies, Britain’s economy was threatened by the decrease in exports. The country of Bhutan has strong ties to India.

13. More facts… Indian women often wear a “bindi” on their foreheads. It’s a sign of femininity, gracefulness, and martial status (red/black). Today, it’s more of a fashion accessory. Sherpas are Himalayan guides.