Instant Karma’s Gonna’ Get Ya’ Think of an example of when “karma” has influenced your life, or a situation in which we might say “karma” played a role

Caste System Developed by the Aryans –Indo-European speaking nomads who conquered India Originally divided by skin color Developed into a strict social hierarchy –Aryans at the top, of course

Caste System A strict social and religious system of rank based on heredity A person is born into a social group The position lasts for life Each caste has occupations associated with it No marriage is allowed outside of caste Strict rules exist that govern all behavior, duties and obligations (known as Dharma)

Caste System Four Major Castes –Brahmins or priests –Kshatriyas or warriors –Vaisyas or merchants –Sudras or laborers There exists another grouping outside of the caste system known as the Untouchables who are the lowest of the low and traditionally do the most undesirable jobs

Hinduism Origins & Beliefs

Major Characteristics of Hinduism No founder or formal church or central text. Hinduism developed over time from various customs –actual beginnings have been obscured. Extremely tolerant, accepts wide diversity Most morals and religious lessons are taken from the Vedas (written by the Aryans), a series of epic stories of which the Bhagavad- Gita is the most important.

Hinduism We would classify Hinduism as polytheistic. There are literally thousands of gods in Hinduism. They do recognize a single unity of life or supreme force - Brahman. However, only a few people can understand Brahman; the many gods make it understandable to average people.

Hinduism For Hindus, all living things are a manifestation of the unity of the universe. All are a part of the same living soul (atman – Brahman is the whole, atman is the individual). This has led to an emphasis on non- violence and a respect for all life.

Hinduism Hindus believe in reincarnation (a person’s soul never dies - samsara). At death, a person’s soul is released and re- born into another living thing (cycle). Each form is only temporary. Life is like a ladder with the soul trying to reach the final stage of salvation in which the soul is released from the cycle and re-unites with Brahman. This is known as Moksha.

Hinduism The law of Karma governs this life cycle. Every deed (both physical and mental) in this life affects a person’s fate in a future life. A person’s situation is a result of past deeds in a past life. If a person fulfills his/her duties, s/he will have earned positive karma and will achieve a higher level in the next life.

Why are Hinduism & Islam considered to be particularly incompatible religions? Provide THREE specific reasons why. Consider…

Assignment Why would the Mughals have a difficult time establishing political legitimacy? Be specific and thorough.