1. The Hindu Caste System

2. Hinduism It is different than Christianity and other religions because it does not have a single founder Two most important features: 1 – Caste System 2 – Vedas = Sacred scriptures http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AYL9_- PQyQ

3. Hinduism Outsiders influenced the development of Hinduism: The Aryans, who came to India in 1500 and brought with them their religion of Vedism. These beliefs became mixed with the Indian beliefs to form the Hindu religion.

4. The Vedas The Rig Veda tells the story of the first god who created the world. The God was sacrificed and out of his body parts the whole universe were made. The body parts turned into different groups of people, so that Indian people thought of themselves as belonging to one of four castes, or groups. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =Y9yWwFWpbRo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =Y9yWwFWpbRo

5. The Caste System The Caste System began in India after the Aryans invaded and established their own rules for governing the society. The Aryans did not permit marriages between their own people and people of the cultures they conquered.

6. The castes

7. Can You Identify the Social Groups in the Photo?

8. Brahmins— thinkers/knowers Vaisya—provide food for the belly Sudra—do the work Ksatriya—doers Each caste is born out of Brahma (the creator)

9. Reincarnation A person is born, lives, dies, and is reborn again many times. Souls are reborn many times until they are pure enough to be with the creator, Brahma Karma A person’s social position in the next life is determined by his conduct in the present life.

10. Dharma Code of behavior or set of moral and ethical rules that govern the conduct of each social class. Each group has a different set of rules to live by. Laws of Manu Hindu book of sacred law Rules and restrictions for daily life

11. What is the role of the Brahmin?

12. KSHATRIYAS What is the role of the warrior class?

13. VAISYAS What is the role of the Merchants / Landowners?

14. SUDRAS What is the role of the commers?

15. They were outside of the caste system because of their religious practices, rites and unclean habits. In ancient times they were not allowed to enter a village or city during day time or walk in the same street where men of other castes walked. HARIJAN also called Untouchables

16. Introduction to India Caste System The Untouchables: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j31veR74g So&feature=related