Origins of Hinduism

Hindusat the

GangesRiver

Indian Society Divides• As Aryan society became more complex, their

society began to divide into groups. For the most part, the groups were divided by people’s occupations. Strict rules developed about how people of different groups could interact. As time passed, these rules became stricter and central to Indian society.

The Varnas are four main social divisions in Aryan society

Brahminswere thepriests Kshatriyas

were therulers andwarriors

Vaishyaswere thefarmers,

craftsmen,traders Shudras

were theworkers

andservants

What is the Caste System?

• The Indian society is divided into groups based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation.

• *Adhering to the rules of the caste system was of high importance in the Aryan society.*

• *The highest ranking of India’s caste system was made up of priests, called Brahmins.*

The Untouchablesare the lowest in the

caste system

What are the Vedas?• There are four Vedas created in the Aryan religion. Each contain sacred hymns and poems.

• The oldest is the Rig-Veda written before 1000 BC. It includes hymns of praise to many gods.

Hinduism is the largest religion in India

• The major beliefs of Hinduism are:• *A universal spirit called Brahman, created

the universe and everything in it*. Everything in the world is part of Brahman.

• Every person has an atman (soul) that will eventually join Brahman.

• *People’s souls are reincarnated into new physical forms many times* before they can join Brahman.

• *A person’s Karma will affect how they will be reincarnated.*

What is Reincarnation?

Another Idea About Reincarnation

More Interpretations of Reincarnation

What is Karma?

• Good actions build good karma. People with good karma are born into a higher caste in their next lives. In time, good karma will bring salvation or freedom from life’s worries and the cycle of rebirth.

• Evil actions will build bad karma. A person with bad karma will be reborn into a lower caste or as a lesser creature.

What is Jainism?

• Broke away from the Hindu religion.

• The Jains live by four principals:

• Injure no life• Tell the truth• Do not steal• Own no property• They wear masks over

their mouths so they won’t inhale bugs and kill them.

What is Non-violence?

MohandasGandhiAs a

Younglawyer

He helped India to gain itsindependence from Great

Britain in 1947 by not usingviolence.

Ironically, he was assinated in 1948.

Summary• Two religions

developed in India after the Aryans invaded the country, Hinduism and Jainism.

• The Aryans had strict rules about how people should live and practice their religion.

Indiatoday along

the Ganges

River