Indian People The Caste System Lesson 3 Classes

Indian People – The Caste System Lesson #3

Classes in America What are some social classes in America? How often do you interact with people outside of your “class”? (describe)

The CASTE SYSTEM determined your place in society Like a social class

In India, the classes live near each other But they NEVER mix

In India, they divide classes by your job Each job “level” had a name You NEVER operated outside your job

SOCIAL STRUCTURE • THE CASTE SYSTEM • Indian society was divided into 4 social classes CALLED ________ What Determines Your Varna?

Varna • Your varna is your job. • You can marry and hang out with people in your varna ONLY. X X X

• People were divided according to occupation 1. _____________ - Priests & Teachers - Highest Ranking Class - Smallest Numerically What is the highest class In the USA today?

2. _____________ (Pronounced: ksha-tree-uhs) - Warriors and rulers Why would warriors get to be in a higher class?

• 3. ____________ (Pronounced: vay-shyuhs) - Common people (Traders, Farmers, Herders, etc. )

• 4. ____________ – Servants who waited on the other classes

CASTE ORIGINS KSHATRIYAS BRAHMINS VAISHYAS SHUDRAS

• The untouchables had none of the protections of the Caste System and could perform only tasks that others did not • (such as handling dead animals) If someone is “outside” the caste system, what does that make them?

Untouchables in India click Example of the “rat catchers” in India

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. What is a Varna? What determines your Varna? What makes varnas different? What is expected of you when you reach marrying age, in terms of your Varna? What is the job of a Brahmin? What is the job of a Kshatrya? What is the job of a Vaisya? What is the job of a Shudra?