1. India is a subcontinent
Subcontinent is a large piece of land that sticks out from a continent.
India sticks out from the rest of Asia into the Indian Ocean.

2. Monsoon
A strong wind that blows across East Asia at certain times of the year.
India’s climate is ruled by monsoons or strong seasonal winds.

3. Came to India after the Indus Valley Civilization ended.
Aryans
Came to India after the Indus Valley Civilization ended.
Migrated from Central Asia
They were nomadic herders.
They had a caste system

4. Caste System
Society was divided into classes.
People had to stay in the caste of their parents.
People did the same work as their parents and other members of their group.

5. The Caste System of Ancient India

6. The Different Castes
Chat-ree-yas
Vie-shas
Soo-dras

7. The Brahmins Priests and teachers of Sanskrit and Dharma
Only caste allowed to teach and attend school

8. The Kshatriya
“Chat-ree-yas”
Functioned as warriors or army leaders

9. The Vaishyas “vie-shas”
Traders, cattle farmers, minor officials, merchants and artisans
Owned their own business or farm land

10. The Sudras “soo-dras” Servants and farmhands
Did not own their own land and businesses
Most people were in this caste

11. The Harijans or Outcastes
Known as “untouchables”, below all others
Responsible for handling the dead, cleaning up human waste, and collecting garbage

12. Rules
Caste status passed down through family generations and was impossible to change.
People from different castes could not marry, befriend, or eat with each other