Aryans Hinduism Foundations of Modern India Pakistan Bangladesh

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

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. 1500 BCE § The 2 cultures mix to create the modern Indian culture

Aryan Conquest § 1500 -1000 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

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!!!

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 20 th century

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