VISUAL THINKING CHECKLIST

THE INDIAN CASTE SYSTEM

Brahmins

The indian caste system

The Kshatriya

The indian caste system was not always part of but began at about the same time as Hinduism. The caste system remained in place for thousands of years. A caste is a life-long social group into which a Hindu is born

Kshatriyas were the warriors and mostly made up the rulers of towns and cities. Any decision they made, however, could be overruled by a member of the Brahmin.

They are made up of scholars, priests, teachers, judges, and landowners. Many Brahmins lived in temples, removed from society.

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The Sudras

THE UNTOUCHABLES

The Vaishyas

Vaishyas were skilled farmers, merchants, and craftsmen.They could hold office in village government. They might live in very nice houses and have good clothes and ample food. They might not be the top leaders, but they were certainly a respected part of society

These were the people who were considered the lowest in society in India, so low that they were not part of the caste. They had no rights or jobs except begging and degrading jobs that no one else wanted to do. It was generational.They could not move up or marry out of their social rank.

The Sudras were the unskilled workers. They might find a job on a farm or a non-skilled job in a home or business—like cleaning.

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