Caste SystemA caste is something you’re born

into and cannot change. This system decided who you would marry, hang out with, and and

what type of job you could have.

CASTE SYSTEM: How would you define this? Write your definition in your notes.

The caste system in India was similar to that of Egypt in that it was a pyramid. Draw a pyramid in your notes. It will have four levels, or castes, that are not

equal. It will also have an additional caste NOT attached to

the pyramid.

Read!Blue Book; page 199. Begin with the heading, “Society in Ancient India.”

Read through the end of page 201.

As you read, take notes about each caste system on the pyramid that you just drew. Identify the name of each caste and who (or what types of jobs) was included in each caste.

Think about the information you’ve just read and noted, then answer the following question. Why would having such a caste system be beneficial to a civilization? Why would it not be beneficial?

Caste AssignmentLet’s compare India’s caste system to modern-day jobs/positions.

Find two modern-day jobs that fit into each caste.

You can use the following to find/learn about different jobs:

The BG Daily News Classifieds

Monster.com

the ILP career cruising tools

Use what you’ve learned about the caste system and APPLY it to our culture!

You will have the rest of this class period to complete this individually.

Caste Think-Pair-Share

1. Think about the criteria you used to choose jobs for each caste.

2. Discuss your findings with your partner. Were your criteria similar or different?

3. Share your findings with the class.

1500-400 B.C Aryans Arrived in northern India

Extended family lived together and the oldest male was in charge.

Only sons could inherit property.

Young wealthy boys had a guru (teacher) until they went to school

Could not marry until until you completed 12 years of schooling. 90% of marriages arranged-still this way today.

Divorce was not allowed, but if your wife could not have children, you could have 2 wives.

Anticipation Guide

For each image, write a short description on what you think it means to Hinduism. Why is this object or symbol significant? What does this artifact or God represent?

Image 1

Brahma

Brahma is the creator of the Universe and the god of wisdom. He is one of the three most important Hindu gods.

Brahma is shown as a man with red skin wearing white robes and riding on a goose or a swan. He has four arms in which he carries the Vedas, and a combination of the following things: a sceptre, a spoon, a string of beads, a bow and a water jug.

Image 2

Shiva

Shiva is the god who destroys the world when it is in a state of chaos and ungodliness. He is also the lord of the beasts. Shiva is associated with meditation.

Shiva wears a snake coiled round his neck and hair. He holds a trident in his hand and sits on a deer skin in a yogic position. Shiva rides on a bull called Nandi.

Image 3

Vishnu

Vishnu was a minor deity in early times. Later on, he became one of the main Hindu gods. He appears as a man with four arms riding on a mythical bird or resting on a serpent. In his four hands, Vishnu holds a conch shell, a discus, a lotus and a mace.

From time to time, Vishnu descends to earth in a human, animal or creature form to restore the balance of good and evil in the world. It is thought that he has descended nine times already. Some of his more well-known incarnations are the hero Krishna, the hero Rama, a tortoise and a fish.

Image 4

IndraIndra is the king of the gods and the god of thunder. He appears as a man with golden skin.

In early times, Indra is shown riding in a chariot pulled by two horses. He carries a thunderbolt in his right hand. In later times, Indra is shown riding on a white elephant named Airavarta.

Indra loves soma, the intoxicating drink which gives him his strength.

Indra defends gods and men against the demon Vritra and drought. As the storm god and fertility god, he is responsible for bringing rain to the plains.

Indra is in charge of regulating the heavens, days, months and seasons.

Image 5

Agni

Agni is the god of fire. He is shown as a man with red skin, three flaming heads, seven tongues, seven arms and three legs. Agni wears a garland of fruit.

Agni is the messenger of the gods and always tells the truth.

Agni was an important god in early times. Later on, his brother Indra became more important.

Cattle was a prized possession.

Sanskrit - written form of their language

Cremation (burning) was a popular form of burial. When a wealthy man died, the wife was supposed to throw herself into the burning flame with her beloved, and if she did not she would be shamed (ignored) for the rest of her life.

1st civilization with indoor plumbing.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism?

Aryans - group of nomadic people that first migrated into India

Who founded Hinduism?

No single person

developed slowly, over a long period of time, growing out of centuries of older traditions

some comes from Aryans, some comes from local traditions, etc.

What is the relationship between the Vedic religion, Brahmanism, and

Hinduism?Make this chart in your notes.

Complete it.

Then, answer the question above.

Use Section 15.2, “The Origins of Hinduism,” on page 160.

Vedic Religion

Brahmanism

Hinduism

Vedic Religion

Brahmanism

Hinduism

oldest roots of Hinduism

named for the Brahman class

honored a number of deities (nature and social order)

grew out of traditions brought to India by Aryans

more complex rituals

named for the Vedas = collection of sacred texts

Brahmans interpreted the Vedas and performed required rituals

modern-day religionvery complex

many beliefs, forms of worship, and deities exist - vary by region

Vedas remain sacred

What is the relationship between the Vedic religion, Brahmanism, and Hinduism?

Indian MandalasMandalas are circular diagrams used in Hinduism (and Buddhism) to increase spiritual awareness.

Usually consist of a combination of lines and triangles within a circle and a square

Designs range from simple to very complex

Colorful, creative, and visually interesting

Design your own mandala! You have LOTS of freedom on this!

In some way, the circle (and perhaps the square) need to be divided into four sections. Those are the only requirements!

One side of your mandala needs to be colorful - no markers (you do not want it to bleed through). The other side will be for notes.