Social Studies Lesson Plan – Cooperative Learning

Grade Level 6th gradeStandards IL 16A.C.4Objectives Students will distinguish between the classes of the Indian caste system.Materials needed 1. Handout overview of each class within the Indian Caste System (for the

teachers use) and websites to research.2. 5 sections of the hierarchy pyramid3. Indian snacks4. Indian Clothing5. Pictures6. Currency7. Artifacts

Grouping This lesson will be an informative lesson. Students will be placed in small groups to gather information on the web about a specific class within the caste system to present to the whole class. This will be a jigsaw format.

Introduction/Set Induction I will present a YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh_xvKLhZHg and display tangible items from India.

Procedure/Developmental Activity

1. Each group will be given a website to gather information of a specific class within the caste system. They will all be given several websites to view. One website will give a general overview of the caste system and includes pictures they can print to use on their poster: http://www.csuchico.edu/~cheinz/syllabi/asst001/spring98/india.htmThey will also be given a website which solely relates to the specific class they are researching.Untouchables- http://adaniel.tripod.com/untouchables.htmBrahman- http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/a/brahman.htmHarijan- http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/618508/untouchableKshatriya- http://www.indianetzone.com/21/kshatriya_indian_caste.htmSudra- http://www.truthaboutdalits.com/Caste_system/Sudra_in_caste_system.htmVaishya- http://www.truthaboutdalits.com/Caste_system/Vaishyas_in_caste_system.htm

2. Each group will be assigned to study, record, and present a section of the hierarchy.

Conclusion/Closure Each group will present their section of the caste system and post their section of the caste system on the wall. Each student will receive one goodie bag containing Indian cookies.

Evaluation The jigsaw activity and the presentation are formative assessments.

Rubric for Performance Assessment

1. Label 2 points / 22. Jobs 2 points / 23. Three

FactsA. 2 points B. 2 points C. 2 points / 6

Total Points Possible / 10

Brahman

[brah-muhn]

According to the Hindu religion, society should be divided into four broad classes called VARNAS. A person had the same varna that his or her parents had. And he or she had it from birth to death — there was no way to change it. Hindus did not question the varna system. It was simply considered a part of the way the universe works.

Hindus rank the four varnas from highest to lowest. In descending order of importance and prestige, they are the BRAHMIN, the KSHATRIYA, the VAISYA, and the SUDRA.

Under the Indian caste system, a Brahmin is a member of the highest caste. Priests and scholars are classified as Brahmins, and members of this caste have traditionally been figures of reverence (admiration) and respect.

The Brahmin varna comprises the priests, educators, law makers, and scholars in society. The high ranking caste has traditionally held a great deal of power over Indian society, with many laws and social norms being instituted by the Brahmins.This may have been an act of self-preservation on the part of early members of the caste, although it was probably justified by arguing that Brahmins were highly educated and thus able to interpret the will of the gods accurately. Brahmins have traditionally been highly educated passing down an oral tradition as well as a written one.

The high levels of education among the Brahmin caste led to a natural tendency to respect and honor members of this caste. Although the Brahmins may have been a minority historically, they were a very important part of Hindu society. Priests perform a series of rituals throughout their lives as well as daily, and there are numerous situations in Hindu society in which a priest is required, such as weddings and funerals.

Reforms in India during the 20th century led to a change in the way that the caste system was administered. Modern India allows much more mobility in society and between castes, encouraging a more free and open society. A priest is still referred

to as a Brahmin regardless of caste, and many priests are also members of this historical caste, since their families are steeped in religious tradition and culture.

Brahmins worship in the Kalighat temple Spoon-shaped brass container holds Ganges waer. Brahmins are the highest caste of Hindus, their mark of distinction being the piece of string seen in hand of gray-haired senior Brahmin.

Raksha Bandan Festival ... Indian Brahmin or high caste Hindu boys smear holy soil and cow

dung on their bodies before changing yagnopavit or sacred threads as they mark the festival

in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad

This holy man was walking near a temple built around a sacred tree. He is wearing the thread of a brahman. The decorations on his forehead signify allegiance to particular gods or methods.

Kshatriya

[ksha-tree-uh]

According to the Hindu religion, society should be divided into four broad classes called VARNAS. A person had the same varna that his or her parents had. And he or she had it from birth to death — there was no way to change it. Hindus did not question the varna system. It was simply considered a part of the way the universe works.

Hindus rank the four varnas from highest to lowest. In descending order of importance and prestige, they are the BRAHMIN, the KSHATRIYA, the VAISYA, and the SHUDRA.

Kshatriya is a ruler or warrior. This caste has traditionally been ranked second among the four castes of the system, and members of the Kshatriya caste have held power for centuries in India. Although the caste system has been drastically modified through legislation and social reform in India, it is not uncommon to see Kshatriyas in public office in India, since they have been associated with power and ruling for so long.

The word “Kshatriya” is derived from the words for “power” and “ruler.” Members of this caste have traditionally ruled over communities and Indian society. Ideally, a Kshatriya ruler would have been just and merciful, governing the community with inherent ruling qualities granted by his varna. It was also common for children born into the Kshatriya caste to be extensively educated in statecraft and history, to ensure that they would make sound rulers.

In addition to holding power in the form of leadership, Kshatriyas were also warriors. Members of the caste were responsible for defending Indian society and upholding justice. The caste held an essential control on military education and defense training for many generations. As members of a high ranking caste, Kshatriyas were expected to marry amongst themselves, in a practice known as endogamy. Marriages between castes were generally frowned upon.

Before the caste system was fully codified, the Kshatriyas were actually the highest caste. Allegedly, the Brahmins replaced them on the orders of Vishnu, who was punishing the Kshatriyas for their tyrannical rule. This may reflect a classic conflict between priests and soldiers, who have struggled for control of their societies for centuries. In modern India, other castes may hold office and join the military, as part of a series of general reforms which were meant to abolish discriminatory aspects of the caste system.

Historically, this varna has contained most of the political leaders and kings, and it closely resembles the noble class of medieval Europe.

A Rajput is a member of one of the major Hindu Kshatriya (warrior) groups of India and are a ruling class of the Indian subcontinent. They enjoy a reputation as soldiers; many of them serve in the Indian Armed Forces.

The warrior class (Kshatriyas) were rulers and soldiers who fought for and protected the country. One of the ways to identify men who are descended from this caste is by their thick and upturned mustaches.

A Kshatriya warrior in ancient India.

Vaishya

/ˈvīSHyə, ˈvīs-/

According to the Hindu religion, society should be divided into four broad classes called VARNAS. A person had the same varna that his or her parents had. And he or she had it from birth to death — there was no way to change it. Hindus did not question the varna system. It was simply considered a part of the way the universe works.

Hindus rank the four varnas from highest to lowest. In descending order of importance and prestige, they are the BRAHMIN, the KSHATRIYA, the VAISYA, and the SUDRA.

The Vaishya are the third of four castes in Indian society. Traditionally, they have composed the merchant class, and they have also provided for Indian society in general through alms giving and the construction of temples, hospitals, and other public facilities. Members of the Vaishya have traditionally been in an awkward position in society, since they are among the lower ranking of the castes, yet they form a crucial part of society. This led historically to some bitterness on the part of the Vaishya.

The word “Vaishya” is derived from a word which means “to live,” and the caste was originally focused on farming, agriculture, and trading. As the caste system developed, the Vaishya deviated from their agricultural pursuits, focusing on trade as merchants, skilled labor, and land ownership. Members of this caste have traditionally been wealthy, as a result of their occupations, and the caste has also traditionally valued education, especially religious education in the hopes of becoming twice born, an important accomplishment in Hindu life.

As a merchant community, the Vaishya helped India to expand and become a formidable economic force in its own right. Many members of this caste were also behind the development of Indian industrialism in the 20th century, with prominent Vaishya forming major corporations which continue to be economic powerhouses in India. The caste has also traditionally placed a value on artisanship and technical education.

Since the Vaishya have long been associated with wealth, the caste has also historically been expected to participate in charity and alms giving. Many Indian temples were constructed with Vaishya funds, along with other structures which are meant to benefit society in general. The Brahmin caste may have encouraged this social and religious charity in the hopes of defusing the power which often comes with wealth.

Although Vaishya were wealthy and often well respected, they were in the lower part of the caste system. Thanks to legislation and social reforms, the caste system no longer holds the power in India that it once did, although many traditionally Vaishya families have continued to participate in trade and economics, capitalizing on centuries of family experience.

Fruit Merchant

The Fruit Merchant is part of the Vaishya caste. The Vaishya caste are shopkeeper and sell

products, unlike the Shudra who sell services.

The Shopkeeper

This shopkeeper is a Vaishya. The Vaishya caste are shopkeeper and sell products, unlike the

Shudra who sell services. In this very specialized shop above, the merchant sells nothing but

aluminum pots. For brass or stainless steel, you'll have to go somewhere else.

Shudra

\ˈsü-drə, ˈshü-\

According to the Hindu religion, society should be divided into four broad classes called VARNAS. A person had the same varna that his or her parents had. And he or she had it from birth to death — there was no way to change it. Hindus did not question the varna system. It was simply considered a part of the way the universe works.

Hindus rank the four varnas from highest to lowest. In descending order of importance and prestige, they are the BRAHMIN, the KSHATRIYA, the VAISYA, and the SHUDRA.

Under the Hindu caste system, the shudras are the lowest and largest caste. Traditionally, shudras have worked in service, as slaves or practitioners of unskilled trades. While members of this caste are not as criticized as Dalits or untouchables, they still face a great deal of discrimination from members of higher castes. In the 20th century, numerous organizations have worked for equality in India, abolishing the caste system and aiming to create a more egalitarian society. Many social reforms have been instituted since the independence movement in India, making life very different for the Shudra, among many others.

The Shudra have classically lived lives of service. Slaves were often classified as Shudra, as were cobblers, blacksmiths, maids, cooks, and so forth. They have typically not been given the same rights as higher castes, forced to use different temples and public facilities. Over the centuries of the caste system, this led to a great deal of resentment among the Shudra.

Since the rigid caste system did not historically allow for upward mobility, members of this caste were stuck in positions of servility. As the caste system evolved to become hereditary, this meant that multiple generations were stuck in service. As more egalitarian religions became widespread in Asia, many Shudras converted to them, seeking a belief system which supported equal rights and opportunity for all. The Shudra caste was also a strong supporter of reform movements such as that which ultimately lead to the abolishment of the caste system through the Indian Constitution.

Under the Constitution, the caste system is not supposed to determine one's place in society. In practice, however, this is not always the case, especially in rural parts of India. While Shudras are certainly in theory welcome to marry into other castes or become merchants, warriors, priests, and rulers, many find this difficult. Numerous organizations in India work towards greater equality among the castes, and for more rights among the lower castes and Dalits.

Patriarch with Family

This man is a member of the Shudra caste. Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups. Each one of these groups performs a service. Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S. Here, he is standing among many others in his caste.

Potters are a part of the Shudra caste. Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups. Each one of these groups performs a service- Barhi (carpenters), Malis (gardeners), potters or Dhobi (washermen). Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S. The potters supply all the other caste with a variety of different ceramic pieces, as only they are allowed to do. The potter shown above is making roof tiles.

Harijan

\ˌhär-i-ˈjän\

"outside" the caste system (once known as "untouchables")

According to the Hindu religion, society should be divided into four broad classes called VARNAS. A person had the same varna that his or her parents had. And he or she had it from birth to death — there was no way to change it. Hindus did not question the varna system. It was simply considered a part of the way the universe works.

Hindus rank the four varnas from highest to lowest. In descending order of importance and prestige, they are the BRAHMIN, the KSHATRIYA, the VAISYA, and the SUDRA.

Harijans- individuals who are at the bottom of or outside the Hindu caste system. They were traditionally sweepers, washers of clothes, leatherworkers, and those whose occupation it was to kill animals. Their jobs involve doing most of the cleaning, or what we might call "dirty work." The term is also sometimes applied to the hill tribes of India, who are considered unclean by some because they eat beef. Originally called untouchables or pariahs, they were given the name Harijans by the Indian political and religious leader Mahatma Gandhi, who worked for many years to improve their lives. The name for them later changed from untouchables to Harijans, which means gods children. Recently this caste would rather be reffered to as Dalit, which means oppressed.

Until the Indian constitution of 1949, Harijans, who constitute 15% to 20% of India's population, were subject to discrimination and social restrictions because of their “contaminating” effect on those with whom they came into contact. Under the constitution, the Harijans were recognized as scheduled castes and tribes entitled to educational and vocational opportunities, as well as representation in parliament; however, widespread discrimination still exists.

The marks of their supposed contamination were traditionally expressed in a variety of ways. Very commonly, a cheri or separated, outpost community was established for the Untouchables of a village; otherwise, they would live in a segregated quarter. The use of their own wells and even in some areas the use of

their own footpaths and bridges were thought to be ways of protecting the rest of Hindu society from their contaminating presence. Until a century ago there were various set distances, ranging from 12 to 96 paces, which the particular Untouchable castes could not approach higher-status Hindus. Some were said to be so polluting that they could pollute a corpse—itself considered highly polluting—or should only move around at nighttime. Some groups believed an untouchable could contaminate a Hindu of higher caste if only their shadow fell on him; others had to actually touch him or his food to do so.

in the heirarchy. They are a. They were called untouchables because people believed that they were so dirty that they were not fit to be touched by other people in higher castes.

These little girls (part of what used to be the lowest caste known as the untouchables) are making dung patties. The dung from cows are taken and made into patties and set out to dry (as you can see the rows of them), these patties are then used to be burned as fuel or for heat. Though it is the Harijans that have the task of making the patties, many other people from other castes benefit from them.

This shanty, typical of the dwellings of some 6000 Harijans living in Barisal city, shows the appalling living condition of the neglected community.

A harijan woman

Background Information

In ancient India there developed a social system in which people were divided into separate close communities. These communities are known in English as caste. The origin of the caste system is in Hinduism, but it affected the whole Indian society. The caste system in the religious form is basically a simple division of society in which there are four castes arranged in a hierarchy and below them the outcast. But socially the caste system was more complicated, with much more castes and sub-castes and other divisions. Legally the government disallows the practice of caste system but has a policy of affirmative discrimination of the backward classes.

Racial Discrimination

The leaders of independent India decided that India will be democratic, socialist and secular country. According to this policy there is a separation between religion and state. Practicing untouchability or discriminating a person based on his caste is legally forbidden.

The Indians have also become more flexible in their caste system customs. In general the urban people in India are less strict about the caste system than the rural. In cities one can see different caste people mingling with each other, while in some rural areas there is still discrimination based on castes and sometimes also on untouchability.

Vishnu : Protector of the Universe

Vishnu is regarded as a major god in Hinduism and Indian philosophy. Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe, while two other major Hindu gods, Brahma and Shiva, are considered the creator and destroyer of the universe, respectively.

As the preserver of the cosmos, Vishnu upholds the universal laws. Unlike Shiva, who often seeks refuge in the forest to meditate, Vishnu constantly participates in worldly affairs. Ensuring that all is well.