Aryans and Caste System

Aryans and Caste System

In this lesson you will learn how Ancient Indians developed a strict social system of upper and lower classes.

After Harappans disappeared...

• Aryans came to India

• They spoke a language called Sanskrit

• Their religion is called Hindu-ism

• Their most important book was called The Vedas

Multiple Choice

Aryan religion is called...

• Christianiity

• Hinduism

Sanskrit is no longer spoken

The Vedas

• Holy books (Hindu bible)

• Rules and laws

• Poems and Songs

• Mentions a Class system=Caste System

Multiple Choice

The books of the Hindu religion are called...

• Vedas

• Aryans

• Hindus

Everyone has a place in the Hindu caste system

Multiple Choice

There are _____ main castes (social clsses) in India.

• 2

• 3

• 4

Brahmins:

UPPER CLASS

Highly Respected

• Priests

• Teachers

• Scholars

Multiple Choice

Can a farmer be a Brahmin?

• YES

• NO

Kshatriya

• Rulers

• Warriors (army)

Multiple Choice

Can a SOLDIER be a kshatriya?

• YES

• NO

Vaisyas

• Farm-owners

• Land-owners

• Merchants...business-owners

• Provide for the upper class

Multiple Choice

Can a TEACHER be a VASIYA?

• YES

• NO

Sudras

• Lowest Caste

• Service-providers and workers

• Provide for the upper class

Multiple Choice

Can a SUDRA be a waiter?

• YES

• NO

Untouchables

• Not even part of the caste system

• Do the dirty jobs in society

• Clean animal waste

• Other castes should not touch them

Poll

Would you want to be an Untouchable?

• YES

• NO

Good things about Caste System

• Everyone has a place in society

• Everyone helps each other

• Following caste system=good karma

Bad Things About Caste System

• People in different castes could not marry or be friends

• Immigrants into India were automatically in lowest caste

• Indians cannot change castes

• No freedom to choose

People in India protesting caste system

Poll

Would you like there to be a caste system in America?

• YES

• NO

Open Ended

Why did you say yes or no to a caste system?