What led to the development of Hinduism?

Aryan society became more complex… Society divided into groups Society divided into groups Based on occupation Based on occupation Strict rules developed Strict rules developed

The Varnas – social divisions Brahmins – priests Brahmins – priests Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors Vaisyas – farmers, craftspeople, traders Vaisyas – farmers, craftspeople, traders Sudras – laborers and non-Aryans Sudras – laborers and non-Aryans

Over time social division became more complex…. Developed into the Caste System

Castes Groups in Indian society based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation Groups in Indian society based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation at one time – 3,000 castes at one time – 3,000 castes

Caste: Permanent or Not?

Castes & Gender All belonged to castes All belonged to castes Women (early Aryans) – ALMOST same rights Women (early Aryans) – ALMOST same rights Time = laws limited rights of women Time = laws limited rights of women

Untouchables Fell outside the social caste system Fell outside the social caste system Dirtiest and unpleasant jobs Dirtiest and unpleasant jobs

Mohandas Ghandi Untouchables – Harijans Untouchables – Harijans “children of god” “children of god” Worked to raise status Worked to raise status 1949 – constitution gave them legal recognition and rights 1949 – constitution gave them legal recognition and rights Discrimination continues Discrimination continues

Castes Rules Sutras – guides that listed all the rules for the caste system Sutras – guides that listed all the rules for the caste system Broken rule: banned from home or castes = untouchables Broken rule: banned from home or castes = untouchables

Brahmanism Religion of the Aryans Religion of the Aryans Even before coming to India Even before coming to India Beliefs based on Vedas Beliefs based on Vedas

Vedas Collection of books containing hymns, myths, rituals, and poems Collection of books containing hymns, myths, rituals, and poems Written by Aryan priests Written by Aryan priests Sanskrit Sanskrit Veda – “knowledge” in Sanskrit Veda – “knowledge” in Sanskrit

4Vedas Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda Rig Veda: Oldest – written before 1000 B.C. (1500 B.C.) Rig Veda: Oldest – written before 1000 B.C. (1500 B.C.) texts.com/hin/rigveda/ texts.com/hin/rigveda/

Other Vedic Texts Written by priests Written by priests Contain thoughts on Vedas Contain thoughts on Vedas Compiled into books Compiled into books Explained: Explained: -how to perform sacrifices -secret rituals -Upanishads

Upanishads Written 600 B.C. (800 – 400 B.C.) Written 600 B.C. (800 – 400 B.C.) Reflections of religious students and teachers about the Vedas Reflections of religious students and teachers about the Vedas

Result Vedas, Upanishads, other Vedic texts – basis of Indian religion for centuries Vedas, Upanishads, other Vedic texts – basis of Indian religion for centuries Began to blend with other cultures Began to blend with other cultures Hinduism develops – main religion of India today Hinduism develops – main religion of India today