The Caste System Assignment #12 in ISN
Directions Each of you have been assigned a caste. You must follow the rules of your caste Sudras You must stand in the back of the class Vaisyas Sit in the back with your feet on the floor and face forward at all times Kshatriyas - Sit in the front of the class and relax. Put your feet up, be comfortable! Brahmin Seat of honor (rolling chair) feet up, be comfortable
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.
Rigid, membership into a caste is based only on birth Marriage only allowed among member of same caste Occupation choices restricted Personal contact with other castes restricted Acceptance of fixed place in society
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.
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
Brahmins Priests, Teachers, Judges need other castes to work the land and provide for them Kshatriyas Warriors and Rulers (landowners) Vaisyas Skilled Traders, Merchants, Farmers Sudras Unskilled Workers Laborers and Craft workers
Below these four castes are people who belong to no caste Untouchables Outcastes Concept of pollution the most pure at the top (Brahmins) and the most polluted at the bottom (Untouchables)
Purpose is to help people of other castes fulfill their dharma Perform rituals and observe vows for the sake of others
Responsible for leadership of the people Often rely on advice from Brahmins
Shopkeepers who sell products (unlike the Shudra who sell services)
Each subgroup of this caste performs a specific service. Jobs include gardeners, potters, and clothes washers
Belong to no caste Expected to do the dirty jobs Come in contact with animal skins, dead bodies and human feces Avoid contact with caste Indians for fear of pollution
Draw this!
Two Mauryan Empires Empire: of India 324 BC- 183 Mauryan BC Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC It had a strong military Originally was a Hindu nation although that later changed to Buddhism in some parts Was one of the more advanced civilizations of its time Lots of trading goods by sea & by land
Mauryan Ashoka: Empire: Mauryan 324 Leader BC- 183 BC Reached its peak under the leader Ashoka Ashoka means painless He was born into a wealthy family Had royal military training; was a trained fighter (according to legend he beat a lion with just a wooden rod) Started off as a bloodthirsty ruler who conquered a lot of territory
Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC BC Ashoka converted to Buddhism & made others convert Played a critical role in Buddhism s growth He became a peace-loving ruler of a large and rich state Even encouraged development of medical treatment for humans and animals
Mauryan Mauryan Empire: Empire: 324 324 BC- BC- 183 183 BC BC After Ashoka died, the Mayryan Empire fell apart. His writings still remained, carved into stone, but a similar leader did not step forward The Ashoka Chakra or Wheel of righteousness was invented by Ashoka. It s on the Indian flag today.
Gupta Empire: 320 AD- 500 AD
Gupta Gupta Empire: Empire: 320 320 CE- AD- 550CE 500 AD Founded by Maharaja Sri-Gyupta Was the Golden Age of India Was still a Buddhist nation Lots of inventions & discoveries; creativity Chess might be from this time period too!
Gupta Awesome Empire: Inventions 320 CE- of 550CE Ancient India! Sanskrit language Geometry & Algebra Concept of zero, decimal system, number system How were they diffused (spread)? Diffused through the conquests of Alexander the Great
Sanskrit (written)
Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE Similarities of the 2 Empires ARCHITECTUAL pillars, stupas, & rock chambers
Gupta Empire: 320 AD- 500 Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE AD Controlled less land than the Mauryan Strong army Ruled by kings Nomadic invaders (the Huns) ended the reign of the Guptas around 500 AD