Hinduism and the Caste System

What did these religions have in common??

Hinduism Please turn to page 76 in you textbook. Read the section on Hinduism What differences exist between Hinduism and the religions of Southwest Asia? Durga: Goddess that kills demons Ram: God born to free world from cruelty

Hinduism in the World Turn to page 76 in your textbook and look at the map titled “World Religions”. Answer in a complete sentence: Which South Asian country has the largest percentage of Hindus?

Beliefs in Hinduism: #1 Reincarnation Use page “Hinduism” to answer the following questions: 1. What is reincarnation? 2. What determines how a person is reincarnated? 3. What is dharma?

Hinduism: The Caste System Define caste system. THE CASTE SYSTEM

Brahmins: Priest and Scholars

Please record their jobs or positions in society on the triangle or next to the name. Brahmins BRAHMINS THE CASTE SYSTEM Task  Would this represent high status or low status? In the United States what group of people might be at the top?

Kshatriyas: Rulers, Warriors, or Land Owners

(Record their jobs or positions in society on the triangle or next to the name.) Brahmins Kshatriyas THE CASTE SYSTEM BRAHMINS Kshatriyas

Vaisyas: Farmers and Merchants

(Record their jobs or positions in society on the triangle or next to the name.) Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas THE CASTE SYSTEM BRAHMINS Kshatriyas Vaisya

Sudras: Artisans and Laborers

(Record their jobs or positions in society on the triangle or next to the name.) Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras THE CASTE SYSTEM BRAHMINS Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras

Untouchables Untouchables are outside the caste system. Lowest status in Indian society. Jobs and life include: –dirty jobs like sewage workers or cremating dead bodies –live in extreme poverty or homeless

Untouchables

Hinduism: The Caste System Please add the Untouchables on your graphic organizer. Task  Are there class systems in the United States? What group would be “untouchables”? How does the caste system affect the daily lives of Hindus? Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras Untouchables THE CASTE SYSTEM BRAHMINS Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras UNTOUCHABLES

The Caste System Today The government has passed laws to make the caste system illegal. However the caste system is a strong tradition held in Indian society. This is a struggle as India is trying to take steps towards modernization.

Diet of Hindus In Hinduism the cow is seen as a sacred animal. Therefore Hindus do not eat beef. All images were taken from:

Library of Congress Research Click the link above and use it to answer the questions below. 1. In rural India how are the modern castes divided? (2 nd paragraph) 2. What are the new castes based on that may potentially form in the cities? (3 rd paragraph) 3. Describe the groups that have been described as living on the “fringes of society.” What are their lives like? How do they survive?