Introduction to Hinduism

Hinduism at a glance

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, and has over 900 million adherents worldwide. Hinduism is not a single doctrine, and there is no single founder or teacher. Hinduism originated around the Indus Valley near the River Indus in modern day Pakistan. About 80% of the Indian population regard themselves as Hindu.

Hindus believe in a universal eternal soul called Brahman, who created and is present in everything. But they worship other deities such as Ram, Shiva, Lakshmi and Hanuman, recognising different attributes of Brahman in them.

Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, governed by Karma. Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived. The Vedas are the most ancient religious Hindu text and define the truth. Hindus believe that the texts were received by scholars directly from God and passed onto generations by word of mouth. Hindus celebrate many holy days, but the Festival of Lights, Diwali is the most well known. The 2001 census recorded 559,000 Hindus in Britain, around 1% of the population.

God or gods?

Contrary to popular understanding, Hindus recognise one God, Brahman, the eternal origin who is the cause and foundation of all existence. The gods of the Hindu faith represent different expressions of Brahman. Different Hindu communities may have their own divinities whom they worship, but these are simply different ways of approaching the Ultimate.

Before we explore whether or not Hindu’s believe in one God or many Gods we have to understand that talk about God is different from talk about ordinary things.

Describing a chair or a beach is relatively straight forward as we have all experienced these things, if we haven’t then it is at least possible to do so. However, talk about God is more complex because God is not a thing that we can publicly experience.

For this reason religious people use metaphors and analogies when describing God. For example, Christians state that the “Lord is my rock” but they don’t believe this literally. God is not sat in a field somewhere with moss growing on Him. The statement is symbolic of the strength of God. We really don’t know what God is actually like.

Like Christians, Hindus also believe in God though they refer to Him as Brahman. Brahman is the one world spirit, eternal and everywhere. Despite the different name

the same problem arises. How can we talk about Brahman when we have never directly experienced Him?

Hindus address this problem by worshipping many different gods. In fact there are actually millions of different gods in the Hindu tradition. Hindus believe there are three main physical forms that Brahman has taken:

• Brahma – the creator god

• Shiva – the god of life, death and rebirth

• Vishnu – the preserver and maintainer of life (Hindus believe that Vishnu came to earth on nine occasion as an avatar which means an appearance of God in human form, two of the most popular avatars are the gods Krishna and Rama)

You will notice that these gods have a mixture of human and animal traits. This probably goes back to a time when the religion of Hinduism was forming. Back then, over 4000 years ago, religious belief was simple. People really did believe that gods came to earth and took on human and / or animal features.

As the religion of Hinduism slowly developed over the centuries Hindu’s came to understand that there was in fact only one true God, Brahman. However, they did not abandon belief in the various mythical gods that had been worshipped in their tradition. The reason for this being that each god displays a particular characteristic of Brahman. Each god has a personality and a nature that Hindu’s can identify. This is useful because each god or goddess helps Hindus to understand a part of the one true God, Brahman.

Despite worshipping small statues or pictures of their gods in shrines nowadays most Hindus do not believe that all the traditional gods are actually real. The traditional gods simply help the believer to understand a small part of the one true God, Brahman.

On the face of things it seems as though Hindus worship more than one God making them polytheistic. In fact these gods are just ways of reaching Brahman who is an eternal spirit. In that sense it could be said that Hindus are monotheists because they worship one God.

Look at the picture above. The blindfolded boys all experience a part of the elephant and this creates a mental image in their minds. However, they do not have a complete understanding of what the elephant is like. It is rather the same with the way in which human beings understand God.

We do not have the ability to have a complete understanding of God.

God is far greater than anything we can make sense of with our limited human minds.

It is for this reason that Hindus worship so many gods. Each different one helps them understand a different part of the personality of Brahman. Hindus are free to think of God either as a person with physical characteristics, or not as a person. It is like the example of ice and water. Ice takes on a shape but water does not seem to have any shape, yet they are both really the same thing. Though there is only one God, Hindus like to think of Brahman in their own way. An advantage of viewing Brahman as a person is that it becomes easier to build a relationship with Him if you have something to picture in your mind. It makes no difference how one wishes to see Him, the important thing is that you love God.

Christians understand God through the teaching of Jesus Christ, Muslims understand Allah (God) through the teaching of the prophet Muhammad. The Christian and Islamic understanding of God therefore differs. In the past Christians and Muslims have fought over their differences.

Hindus accept that Christians and Muslims may have a different view of God, but they are both actually referring to the same God. The word plural means more than one. Hindus believe that there is more than one way to understand God.

The idea that the many religions in the world all teach about the one same God is called pluralism. Hindus think it is good to view religion in this way because it means that no one religion is better than the others. It also avoids conflict.

Think of a mountain. Imagine many climbers all trying to reach the summit but each one taking a different path. It is the same with religion. According to Hindu’s each religion is on a quest for the truth but they all take a different approach to reach it.

TASK 2) Explain whether you think Hindus are polytheists (people who believe in more than one God) or monotheists (people who believe in one God).

…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............

TASK 3) Explain what is meant by the term ‘religious pluralism.

…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............…………………………………………………………………………………………............

Who is Vishnu?

Vishnu is the second god in the Hindu triumvirate (orTrimurti). The triumvirate consists of three gods who are responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the world. The other two gods are Brahma and Shiva. Brahma is the creator of the universe and Shiva is the destroyer. Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe. His role is to return to the earth in troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil. So far, he has been reincarnated nine times, but Hindus believe that he will be reincarnated one last time close to the end of this world.

Vishnu's worshippers, usually called Vaishnava, consider him the greatest god. They regard the other gods as lesser or demi gods. Vaishnava worship only Vishnu. Vishnu monotheism is called Vaishnavism.

What does Vishnu look like?

Vishnu is represented with a human body, often with blue coloured skin and with four arms. His hands always carry four objects in them, representing the things he is responsible for. The objects symbolise many more meanings than is presented here:

The conch: the sound this produces 'Om', represents the primeval sound of creation

The chakra, or discus: symbolises the mind

The lotus flower: an example of glorious existence and liberation

The mace: represents mental and physical strength

Vishnu is usually represented in two positions.

1. Standing upright on a lotus flower with Lakshmi, his consort, close by him reclining on the coils of a serpent, with Lakshmi massaging his feet. They are surrounded by the Milky Ocean.

2. Vishnu rides on the King of Birds, Garuda, who is an eagle.

Who is Shiva?

Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate. The triumvirate consists of three gods who are responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the world. The other two gods are Brahma and Vishnu. Brahma is the creator of the universe while Vishnu is the preserver of it. Shiva's role is to destroy the universe in order to re-create it.

Hindus believe his powers of destruction and recreation are used even now to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change. According to Hindu belief, this destruction is not arbitrary, but constructive. Shiva is therefore seen as the source of both good and evil and is regarded as the one who combines many contradictory elements.

Shiva is known to have untamed passion, which leads him to extremes in behaviour. Sometimes he is an ascetic, abstaining from all wordly pleasures. At others he is a hedonist. It is Shiva's relationship with his wife, Parvati which brings him balance. Their union allows him to be an ascetic and a lover, but within the bounds of marriage.

Hindus who worship Shiva as their primary god are members of the Shaivism sect.

What does Shiva look like?

In his representations as a man, Shiva always has a blue face and throat. Strictly speaking his body is white, but images often show him with a blue body too.

Shiva is represented with the following features:

• A third eye - The extra eye represents the wisdom and insight that Shiva has. It is also believed to be the source of his untamed energy. On one occasion, when Shiva was distracted in the midst of worship by the love god, Kama, Shiva opened his third eye in anger. Kama was consumed by the fire that poured forth, and only returned to life when Parvati intervened.

• A cobra necklace - This signifies Shiva's power over the most dangerous creatures in the world. Some traditions also say that the snake represents Shiva's power of destruction and recreation. The snake sheds its skin to make way for new, smooth skin.

• The vibhuti - The vibhuti are three lines drawn horizontally across the forehead in white ash. They represent Shiva's all pervading nature, his superhuman power and wealth. Also, they cover up his powerful third eye. Members of Shaivism often draw vibhuti lines across their forehead.

• The trident -The three pronged trident represents the three functions of the Hindu triumvirate.

While other gods are depicted in lavish surroundings, Shiva is dressed in simple animal skin and in austere settings, usually in a yogic position. Parvati, whenever she is present, is always at the side of Shiva. Their relationship is one of equality. Even though Shiva is the destroyer, he is usually represented as smiling and tranquil.

Who is Brahma?

Brahma is the first god in the Hindu triumvirate, or trimurti. The triumvirate consists of three gods who are responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the world. The other two gods are Vishnu and Shiva.

Vishnu is the preserver of the universe, while Shiva's role is to destroy it in order to re-create. Brahma's job was creation of the world and all creatures. His name should not be confused with Brahman, who is the supreme God force present within all things.

Brahma is the least worshipped god in Hinduism today. There are only two temples in the whole of India devoted to him, compared with the many thousands devoted to the other two.

What does Brahma look like?

Brahma has four heads and it is believed that from these heads came the four Vedas (the most ancient religious texts for Hindus). Some also believe that the caste system, or four varnas, came from different part of Brahma's body.

He has four arms and is usually depicted with a beard.

Brahma's consort is Saraswati, goddess of knowledge.

Why is Brahma not worshipped so much?

There are a number of stories in the Hindu mythology which point to why he is rarely worshipped. These are two of them.

The first view is that Brahma created a woman in order to aid him with his job of creation. She was called Shatarupa. She was so beautiful that Brahma became infatuated with her, and gazed at her wherever she went. This caused her extreme embarrassment and Shatarupa tried to turn from his gaze. But in every direction she moved, Brahma sprouted a head until he had developed four. Finally, Shatarupa grew so frustrated that she jumped to try to avoid his gaze. Brahma, in his obsession, sprouted a fifth head on top of all.

It is also said in some sources that Shatarupa kept changing her form. She became every creature on earth to avoid Brahma. He however, changed his form to the male version of whatever she was and thus every animal community in the world was created.

Lord Shiva admonished Brahma for demonstrating behaviour of an incestuous nature and chopped off his fifth head for 'unholy' behaviour. Since Brahma had distracted his mind from the soul and towards the cravings of the flesh, Shiva's curse was that people should not worship Brahma.

As a form of repentance, it is said that Brahma has been continually reciting the four Vedas since this time, one from each of his four heads. A second view of why Brahma is not worshipped , and a more sympathetic one, is that Brahma's role as the creator is over. It is left to Vishnu to preserve the world and Shiva to continue its path of cosmic reincarnation.

Who is Ganesha?

Any Hindus worship Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, first son of Shiva. Parvati, the wife of Shiva, longed for a child, but Shiva was usually away from home. She made Ganesha from flakes of her own skin and breathed life into him. She asked Ganesha to guard the home while she took a bath. Shiva returned home and tried to enter the house. “Keep out”, said Ganesha, to Shiva’s astonishment. Shiva had no idea who this cheeky fat boy could be.

“Get out of my way,” said Shiva, drawing his sword, but Ganesha bravely fought him. Shiva struck off Ganesha’s head. As it lay on the ground, Parvati came out. “You have killed our son,“ she screamed. Shiva, full of regret, said that he would find a new head for Ganesha, the head of the next animal that he saw. When he looked around he first saw an elephant. Ganesha is seen as the giver of fortune, and is usually the first god to be worshipped on formal occasions. He is often shown as having four hands. In his hands he holds a rosary, a whip, a hatchet and some sweets. The rosary represents time, and indicates that Ganesha is the god who controls death.

The whip shows that Ganesha controls all human activity, and the fate of all mankind is within his power. The hatchet is to destroy ignorance and the sweets are to reward those who overcome ignorance. Ganesha has a big belly to show that believers should be solid or firm in their beliefs. His elephant head and the mouse at his feet show that he is the Lord of all creatures, large and small. His noble face represents the sacred syllable Aum, the word spoken by Brahma at the creation.

His big ears are supposed to show that there are many stories about him in the Hindu scriptures and his small eyes remind the believer of the importance of meditation. Hindus usually meditate with their eyes half closed. His hand position means ‘Do not fear’. The cobra around his waist is a reminder of his father, Shiva, who is always seen with a snake.

TASK: Answer the following questions in the space provided.

1. Who was Ganesha the son of?……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

2. How was Ganesha created?……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

3. Why did Shiva cut his head off?

……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

4. Why did Shiva choose the head of an elephant? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

5. Explain the meaning of the mala, the whip, the hatchet and the sweets. ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

6.What do Ganesha’s big ears, small eyes and big belly represent? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

7.What does the cobra around his waist remind us off? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

The Goddess Durga or Kali

The Goddess Durga (or Kali), the wife of Shiva, is a fierce form or way in which the Mother Goddess shows herself. The Mother Goddess is a symbol of all divine forces. Durga is also known to some Hindus as Parvati. According to Hinduism, God creates, maintains and destroys the universe but the power with which he performs these tasks is called Shakti (universal energy).

This Shakti or power is worshipped alongside God as the Divine Mother. This is one reason that Hindus pay great respect to their human mothers. The mother’s blessings are seen as a necessity for a happy life by her children in all walks of life. For example, when a child leaves the house he or she touches their mother’s feet and on return does the same. In her old age she is protected and cared for by her own children. The idea of placing her in a home to be cared for by others is abhorrent to Hindus.

Durga is usually shown seated on a tiger or lion, and has ten or more hands holdingweapons or gifts. The story of Durga is told in the Puranas. It tells of a buffalo-demon, Mahshasura, who gained Brahma’s favour. Brahma proclaimed that no male warrior could destroy Mahshasura. The demon assumed that no woman could defeat him and even began to attack Brahma. The gods asked Shiva for help. In his anger a beam of light shone from Shiva’s eyes, then from the eyes of the other gods. The beams fused together and there in the middle was the ten-armed goddess, Durga. The gods gave her weapons and a tiger arrived for her to ride on into battle with the demon. Mahshasura mocked Durga, but she opened her mouth and out marched an enormous army. The demon and his army was defeated. Durga holds the following weapons and other objects in her hands.

i. A trident (a traditional weapon of Rudra the Storm God, who became Shiva)ii. A goad or daggeriii. A mace to show that those who surrender need not fear deathiv. A bell, A flail, An arrowv. A lotus flower, a symbol of the universe and of mankindvi. A sword to destroy ignorancevii. A disk, the wheel of timeviii.A bow to protect her followers against demons, A shield,ix. A conch shell, representing the four kinds of sound mentioned in the Vedasx. A rosary, to remind believers of the importance of chanting mantras.

TASK: Answer the following questions in the space provided.

1. Who is the Goddess Durga?……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

2. Who is the Mother Goddess?……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

3. How do Hindus treat their mothers and why?

……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

4. What did Brahma promise the demon Mahshashura?……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

5. How and why was Durga created by Shiva and the other God’s?

……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

6. What is the meaning of the following symbols held by Durga: a lotus flower; a sword; a rosary?……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

Hindu Beliefs in how the World is Created

• A day in the life of Brahma is 8.64 billion human earth years.

• The Lifetime of Braham is 311,040,000,000

• Brahma lives as long as the universe but each universe lasts only as long as one outbreath of Vishnu

• When Vishnu breathes out it causes a new universe to be created.

• When Vishnu breathes in a new universe is destroyed but the new universe is created.

• When Vishnu is breathing out the Galaxies and the Solar System are in a Dance of Creation, preservation and destruction.

Before this time began, there was no heaven, no earth and no space between. A vast dark ocean washed upon the shores of nothingness and licked the edges of the night. A giant cobra floated on the waters. Asleep within its endless coils lay the Lord Vishnu. He was watched over by the mighty serpent. Everything was so peaceful and silent that Vishnu slept undisturbed by dreams or motion. From the depths a humming sound began to tremble, Aum. It grew and spread, filling the emptiness and throbbing with energy.

The night had ended, Vishnu awoke. As the dawn began to break, from Vishnu’s navel grew a magnificent lotus flower. In the middle of the blossom sat Vishnu’s servant, Brahma. He awaited the Lord’s command. Vishnu spoke to his servant: ‘It is time to begin.’ Brahma bowed. Vishnu commanded: ‘Create the World.’ A wind swept up the waters. Vishnu and the serpent vanished.

Brahma remained in the lotus flower, floating and tossing on the sea. He lifted up his arms and calmed the wind and the ocean. Then Brahma split the lotus flower into three. He stretched one part into the heavens. He made another part into the earth. With the third part of the flower he created the skies. The earth was bare. Brahma set to work. He created grass, flowers, trees and plants of all kinds. To these he gave feeling. Next he created the animals and the insects to live on the land.

He made birds to fly in the air and many fish to swim in the sea. To all these creatures, he gave the senses of touch and smell. He gave them power to see, hear and move. The world was soon bristling with life and the air was filled with the sounds of Brahma’s creation

The Main Life Goals of Hindus

The main aim in life for a Hindu is to obtain moksha (freedom). This freedom allows a person to become one with Brahman, the Ultimate Reality. In order to achieve moksha, one has to free oneself from samsara.

Samsara is the cycle of births, deaths and rebirths which Hindus believe all humans are bound to follow. The number of births any individual must have is determined by their actions. This includes both ritual actions, such as worship and social actions, like looking after your family. In order to control one’s actions and their results one has to discipline the mind and body. There are three goals in life which must be kept in balance if moksha is to be achieved. These are:

dharma, right conduct or doing one's duty artha, material prosperity kama, the enjoyment of the good things of life

The right balance of these is essential. If some one pursues material wealth or worldly pleasure without consideration of their duties to others, they would not beliving a good life. Equally a person who ignores material things altogether would not be able to provide for his or her family.

Hindus believe that every human being has within himself or herself something of God. Those who possess a very large measure of the divine are known as avatars.The word ‘avatar’ is used to describe: Incarnations (embodiments) of the gods such as Rama and Krishna who are believed to be incarnations of the God, Vishnu. Holy people and teachers of any religion. A Hindu may regard Jesus or Muhammad as avatars, for example.

TASK: Answer the following questions in the space provided

1. What is the main aim in life for a Hindu? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

2. What must one do to achieve moksha? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

3. What is Samsara? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

4. What decides the number of births any individual must have?. ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

4. What 3 goals in life must be kept in balance? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

5. Why would it be wrong to ignore material things altogether? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

7. What is an avatar? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

8 Have you decided on your main goals in life? ……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

9. Can you see any similarities between Hinduism and Christianity?……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………………………………….

Why do Hindus worship Cow?

Hindus do not worship cows. Traditionally, Indians had cows in every household. They were part of the family, with names and personalities. Just like one would not hurt/eat their pets, the Indians did not hurt the cows and respected them. Hindus respect, honour and adore the cow. By honouring this gentle animal, who gives more than she takes, we honour all animals. To the Hindu, the cow symbolizes all other creatures. The cow is a symbol of the Earth, the nourisher, the ever-giving, undemanding provider. The cow represents life and the sustenance of life. The cow is so generous, taking nothing but water, grass and grain. It gives and gives and gives of its milk. Gomata (go-cow mata-mother)

Why do many Hindus wear the red dot on their forehead?

The dot worn between the eyes or in the middle of the forehead is a sign that one is a Hindu. The 'Red dot' on the forehead is not always only red and nor is it always adot. The dot is called 'Kumkum' or 'Bindi', and when worn by men it is called 'Tilak' (mark). Usually Hindu women, priests, monks and worshippers wear it. Men wear it on auspicious occasions such as Puja (ritual worship), or marriage, or Arati (waving of lights) on festive occasions such as on Bhaai-duj, Karvaa Chaud or Paadwaa or Dasshera) or while embarking on, or upon return from a voyage or a campaign. It is also worn by Jains and Buddhists (even in China).

Not only women, but Hindu men also wear a dot on the forehead, indicating their third eye. The pottu is a very auspicious symbol, reminding those who ear it of their spiritual heritage and ideals, wherever they may be. It also serves to identify a Hindu among the members of all other religions. Muslim girls often cover their face with a

veil. Christian girls wear a cross. Jewish boys wear small leather cases holding scriptural passages. Men and women of a particular faith often wish to identify themselves to each other, and they do so by wearing religious symbols which generally are blessed in their temples, churches and synagogues. In many cases a dot on the Hindu woman's forehead is similar to a beauty mark, just as European women used to wear a black dot on their cheek as a beauty mark. An unmarried girl wears a black dot, and a married girl a red one. Nowadays the dot's color complements the color of a lady's sari. "Wearing a dot on the forehead is largely a cultural symbol or a beauty symbol." This may be a good answer to this question if the person who asked the question is a little shallow and possibly antagonistic.

THE HINDU CASTE SYSTEM

Around 1500BCE powerful nomadic warriors (i.e. people who travelled from place to place) called the Aryans appeared in northern India. The warriors were from Central Asia. They managed to overcome the Himalayan mountain range by finding lower passes such as the famous Khyber Pass in Pakistan. The Aryans conquered the Dravidians who were living in Central India. They then went about forcing a particularly strict social structure upon them.

The Aryans divided their society into separate groups called varnas or castes. These groups became firmly established over the generations and soon people were born into a particular caste without having any choice in the matter. A person born into one caste never changed castes or mixed with members of other castes. Caste members lived, ate, married, and worked with their own group. The caste system affected all aspects of people’s lives.

There were four varnas or castes in total:

• Brahmins – these were the highest, they were priests and teachers• Kshatriyas (pronounced Kuh Shat Ree Yuhz) – second were the ruling elite

and powerful soldiers• Vaishyas (pronounced Veez Yuhz) – third were the trained workers such as

farmers• Shudras – fourth were the peasants and servants

Outside the four caste groups were those who were regarded as untouchable. Today we use the word ‘outcast’ to refer to someone who has been shunned or ignored by other people. The untouchables were outcasts because they were literally outside of the caste system.

The untouchables did the dirtiest and most basic jobs in society. These were regarded as "polluting activities" and involved the following:

• Any job that involved ending a life• Killing or disposing of dead cattle or working with their hides • Any contact with human bodily emissions such as sweat, urine, or excrement

(there were special groups for sweeping and washing)• Any contact with people who ate meat (the primitive Indian hill tribes still lived

in the region)

Untouchables were often forbidden to enter temples, schools, and even share wells where higher castes drew water. In some parts of southern India even the sight of untouchables was thought to be polluting. The untouchables were forced to sleep during the day and work at night.

Over the years many untouchables deserted this rigid social structure by converting to other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, or Christianity which taught that all humans are equal.

As you can see the Caste system was extremely unfair, particularly if you were an untouchable. It discriminated against (mistreated) people for no good reason. Individuals were looked down upon simply because they happened to be born into a particular family.

In the twentieth century the influence of one man was significant in changing the situation. Mahatma Gandhi was very concerned at the poor treatment the untouchables received from the rest of Indian society.

Gandhi taught that Brahman (God) created all humans equal and that therefore people should not mistreat the untouchables. He even invented a new name for them; he called them Harijans which means children of God.

The Caste system was eventually outlawed in 1949. Since then the influence it has on people’s lives has slowly decreased, particularly in Indian cities. Unfortunately in rural areas the tradition of the caste system has proved hard to change.

The Indian government has provided the harijans (as they are now called) with specific employment priviledges; it even granted them special representation in the Indian parliament. Despite such measures the harijans continue to have fewer educational and employment opportunities than Indians from higher castes.

TASK 1) Complete the following crosswords.

Across:

7) This man helped break down the caste system 8) The ruling elite 11) Outside the caste system 14) Group of which there are 4 in total 15) The home of Hinduism 16) This happened to the caste system in 1949 17) God

Down:

1) Servants 2) The caste system still plays a role in peoples lives in these areas 3) Treating people poorly 4) Trained workers 5) The caste system has gradually faded away here 6) Social group 9) Ignored 10) The way God created us all 12) Priests 13) Children of God