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

2. 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 BCE
The 2 cultures mix to create the modern Indian culture

3. Aryan Conquest
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

4. 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!!!

5. 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

6. 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