The Hindu Caste System
description
Transcript of The Hindu Caste System
![Page 1: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Social Structure in India
The Hindu Caste System
![Page 2: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Definition:
A type of social organization/hierarchy in which a person’s occupation and position in life is determined by the circumstances of his birth.
![Page 3: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Rigid, hereditary membership into birth casteMarriage only among member of same casteOccupation choices restricted Personal contact with other castes restrictedAcceptance of fixed place in society
![Page 4: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Members of a caste rely on each other for support
![Page 5: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Brahmins—thinkers/knowers
Vaisya—provide food for the belly
Sudra—do the work
Ksatriya—doers
Each caste is born out of Brahma (the creator)
![Page 6: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Each caste has an occupation(s) and contributes to the good of the whole
Jajman—gives gift (landlord)
Kamin—gives service to the landholder (lower castes)
![Page 7: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Landholder gives grain to…
Barber
PotterBlacksmith
Carpenter
Priest
Today…more of a market system
![Page 8: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
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.
![Page 9: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
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
![Page 10: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Brahmins – Priests, Teachers, Judges; usually don’t own land therefore need other castes to work the land and provide for themKshatriyas – Warriors and Rulers (landowners)Vaisyas – Skilled Traders, Merchants, Farmers
![Page 11: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Sudras – Unskilled Workers—Laborers and Craft workers
Below these four castes are people who belong to no caste
Untouchables – Outcastes, Children of GodConcept of pollution…the most pure at the top (Brahmins) and the most polluted at the bottom (Untouchables)
![Page 12: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Purpose is to help people of other castes fulfill their dharma
Perform rituals and observe vows for the sake of others
![Page 13: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Responsible for leadership of the people
Often rely on advice from Brahmins
![Page 14: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Shopkeepers who sell products (unlike the Shudra who sell services)
![Page 15: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Each subgroup of this caste performs a specific service.
Jobs include gardeners, potters, and clothes washers
![Page 16: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Belong to no casteExpected to do the “dirty” jobsCome in contact with animal skins, dead bodies and human fecesAvoid contact with “caste” Indians for fear of “pollution”
![Page 17: The Hindu Caste System](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022082611/5681307e550346895d9658d2/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Sourcehttp://www.csuchico.edu/~cheinz/syllabi/asst001/spring98/16.htm