Indian Caste System

reincarnation

After somebody dies, being born into a caste -- karma

T/F An Indian could easily move up from a lower caste to a higher caste.

False

Harappa

Harappa was an ancient city which later hoped archaeologists confirm that it existed at the time as ancient Egypt and Southern civilizations -- Mesopotamia

How does reincarnation connect to the ideas of karma and dharma?

Reincarnation connects to the idea of karma and dharma because depending on your past life, that will determine what caste you will be in in the next life -- Karma and Dharma.

moksha

Release from the cycle of rebirth impelled by the law of karma

Shudras or Sudras

The lowest in the caste system due to not being Aryans. Farmers and servants Typical jobs were to be slaves, barbers, blacksmiths, factory workers, and shoemakers (Non-Aryans)

Untouchables (Dalits)

They had the dangerous and bad jobs in society. They cleaned, handled dead animals, and buried the dead. They were below the Caste System. (Non-Aryans) - They became untouchables when born because of bad karma from their previous life

Brahmans

They were the PRIESTS considered to be the highest in Hindu society.(Aryans)

What is the name of the sacred texts of the Hindu people?

Vedas

When did the religion of Hinduism originate?

Historians are unsure

Kshatriyas

Nobility and WARRIORS. The Varna associated with military power and hierarchy.(Aryans)

karma

A law of Hinduism, rewards and consequences based on action?

What was the name of the social structure that was created by the Indo-Aryans and was later adopted by India?

Caste System

According to Hinduism, what is the name of the force behind nature?

Dharma

What are some reasons that some Hindus defend/support the caste system?

Some reasons that some Hindus defend/support the caste system are that some castes are higher and lower than you. A comparison to this is that your boss is higher than you and you are lower than your boss. Hindus see the caste system as an equal thing depending on what caste you are.

Vaishyas

The COMMONERS- Farmers and artisans. They were Third in hierarchy. (Aryans)

polytheism

The belief in many gods

caste

The class system used by the Aryans used to sort people by different groups

Aryans

The group who took over after the Indus Valley Civilization that came from Middle Asia

Hinduism

The religion that is practiced by Indians today, developed from the beliefs of the Aryans