Experiencing India’s Caste System

Mrs. Zaber’s World Culture's 3rd Period Class

What is the caste system?

When the Aryans conquered current day India, they divided people into four classes called varna.

The four castes are Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras

The divisions are written about in the Vedas: Hindu holy texts.

Hymn from the Vedas

“When the gods divided Man, into how many parts did they divide him? What was his mouth, what were his arms, what were his thighs and his feet called? The Brahman was his mouth, of his arms was made the warrior, His thighs became the Vaishya, Of his feet the Shudra was born.”

Was it really religion that formed the castes or racism?

Remember the Aryans were white and the people they conquered had darker skin.

Varna translates to “color” in Sanskrit.

Each caste has its own corresponding color.

Corresponding Colors

These sound suspiciously like skin colors; and, indeed, there is an expectation in India that higher caste people will have lighter skin -- although there are plenty of exceptions (especially in the South of India).

Fill in the graphic organizer with this information

http://teachers.eusd.k12.ca.us/mguerena/castewebquest/index.htm

Brahman Priest

Kshatriyaruler, warrior, landowner

Rajput Landowner

This Rajput landowner is harvesting his crops.  He is a member of the caste Kshatriyas, which is right below the Brahmans.  He is important to the community because he is the main source of food.  He also is a protector.

Vaishyamerchants

This shopkeeper is a Vaishya. The Vaishya caste are shopkeeper and sell products, unlike the Shudra who sell services. In this very specialized shop above, the merchant sells nothing but aluminum pots. For brass or stainless steel, you'll have to go somewhere else.

Vaishyamerchants

Paan Wallah (the Paan Maker)He is part of the Vaishya caste.  The Vaishya caste are shopkeeper and sell products, unlike the Shudra who sell services.  Paan is a type of chew made of betelnut and paan leaves that many Indians enjoy.  It is similar to chewing tobacco yet stains your teeth orange.  Paan comes in many different shapes and sizes with various flavors and consistenciess.

Vaishyamerchants

Fruit MerchantThe Fruit Merchant is part of the Vaishya caste.  The Vaishya caste are shopkeeper and sell products, unlike the Shudra who sell services.

Shudraartisans, agriculturalists

Barhi - CarpenterThe Barhi are a part of the Shudra caste.  Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  Duties range from making furniture to building houses. The Barhi carpenter shown above is shaping a board to become a piece of furniture

Shudraartisans, agriculturalists

Kumhar - SculptorKumhar is a Shudra.  Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  He provides art for the community to enjoy.  He also makes statues of gods to be worshiped. The Kumhar above is making images of the goddess of learning, Saraswati, to be purchased and worshipped during Saraswati Puja in February. At the end of the puja (worship), all these beautiful images are abandoned in streams and ponds.

Shudraartisans, agriculturalists

Mali - GardenerThese men are Malis, or gardeners, and are a part of the Shudras.  Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  Unless the Shudra is a Mali, no other Shudra is allowed to be a gardner. In this photo, two members of the Mali caste are mowing the lawn with the help of a bullock.  

Shudraartisans, agriculturalists

Dhobi - WashermenDhobi are part of the Shudra. Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  They wash the clothing for all the different caste levels.  Without the Dhobi, everyone would walk around with dirty stinky cloths.

Shudraartisans, agriculturalists

PotterPotters are a part of the Shudra caste. Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  The potters supply all the other caste with a variety of different ceramic pieces, as only they are allowed to do. The potter shown above is making roof tiles.

Shudraartisans, agriculturalists

Nai - BarberA Nai is the equivelent of an American barber.  He sets up his shop on the side of the road where anyone can come and get their hair cut or face shaven.  Their wives are often midwives and play an important role in the comunity.  The Nai are a part of the Shudra caste.  Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.

Shudraartisans, agriculturalists

Goala - HerdsmenGoala are a very important part of the Shudra caste.  Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups.  Each one of these groups performs a service.  Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S.  The role that they play is respected because they deal with the cows which are considered sacred.

Harijan

Harijan GirlsThese little girls are members of the lowest caste in the heirarchy.  They are a part of what used to be known as the untouchables.  They were called untouchables because people belived that they were so dirty that they were not fit to be touched by other people in higher castes.  Their jobs involve doing most of the cleaning, or what we might call "dirty work."  The name for them later changed from untouchables to Harijans, which means gods children.  Recently this caste would rather be reffered to as Dalit, which means oppressed.  In this particular picture the girls are making dung patties.  The dung from cows are taken and made into patties and set out to dry (as you can see the rows of them), these patties are then used to be burned as fuel or for heat.  Though it is the Harijans that have the task of making the patties, many other people from other castes benefit from them.

Harijan

MusiciansIn India musicians are part of the lowest caste.  They are Harijans (god's children) which used to be known as untouchables.  Though their music is enjoyed by many, the act of playing some of these instruments is considered to be unclean.  The saliva that is being blown into the horns is thought to be very unhygenic, therefor not fit for people in higher castes to play these instruments

Class Orders

Men sitting on CharpoyIn India the different castes are always respected, as is shown in this picture.  The man sitting at the foot (far right) of the charpoy (bed) is a Rajput, and the two other men are Brahman.  It is customary to allow members of a higher caste to sit at the head of the charpoy and the lower at the foot, as it is in most any seating arrangements not only on the charpoy.

Class Orders

Formal EatingHere again, the castes are separated at a large formal eating.  On the far left, seated, are two priests and to the right of them are many members of a lower caste.  Even in such a setting the people understand and respect their places in society.

What are the diets of the castes?

All are vegetariansBrahmans: Vegans, No alcoholKshatriyas: eggs, fish, alcoholVaishyas: eggs, grainsShudras: grains, produce

What are the behaviors towards others?

Brahmans: separate from others

Kshatriyas: in charge of others

Vaishyas: Respect others

Shudras: Serve others

How does Karma relate to the castes?

Remember Karma is the belief that one is reborn again and lives several lifetimes.

People move up in the castes throughout lifetimes due to good karma.

Concept of “Happy Poor”

Can one move up a caste?

Absolutely not: where you are born, you stay.

You can not move up, but you can move down in you are “unclean”.

You must do the assigned jobs, have close contact with only those in your caste.

You can only marry within your caste and parents usually arrange the marriages.

Closing Questions

What is the highest level in the caste system?

What is the lowest ?

Which caste do rulers and warriors come from?

Do you think the caste system was originally a racist concept?

Are there any rigid systems in America that compare to the caste system?

As always, thanks for listening and participating. Good job!