Foundations of Modern India, Pakistan, & Bangladesh Aryans & Hinduism Foundations of Modern India, Pakistan, & Bangladesh

Roots of Indian Culture Dravidians—very dark skinned natives of central & southern India Aryans—light skinned people that migrated into the Indus valley from SE Europe (north of the Caspian & Black Seas) c. 1500 BCE The 2 cultures mix to create the modern Indian culture

Aryan Conquest 1500-1000 BCE The light skinned Aryans conquer the dark skinned Dravidians, the 2 cultures mix to form the East Indian culture. Aryans establish a very strict social structure known as the “caste system” today

Caste System People divided into 4 main social classes or varnas Each varna has specific duties within society Each varna is further divided into smaller groups or jati based on occupation People are born into a varna & jati & stay in it for life NO SOCIAL MOBILITY!!!

Varnas Brahmins—priests, 1% of population Kshatriyas—warriors, 9% of population Vaisyas—skilled workers, 10% of population Sudras—unskilled workers, 30% of population Pariahs—outcasts/untouchables, 50% of population Pariahs were mostly of Dravidian heritage, performed unclean jobs, ignored or abused in the streets even into the 20th century

Hinduism The Vedas & Upanishads are the sacred texts of Hinduism. Hindus believe in reincarnation, rebirth of the soul after death Status is determined by karma, the positive or negative energy created during life Dharma are the duties of each Hindu determined by their jati