What led to the

development of

Hinduism?

Aryan society became more complex…

•Society divided into groups•Based on occupation•Strict rules developed

The Varnas – social divisions

•Brahmins – priests•Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors•Vaisyas – farmers, craftspeople, traders•Sudras – laborers and non-Aryans

Over time social division became more complex….Developed into

the Caste System

Castes•Groups in Indian society based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation• at one time – 3,000 castes

Caste:Permanent or

Not?

Castes & Gender•All belonged to castes•Women (early Aryans) – ALMOST same rights• Time = laws limited rights of women

Untouchables

•Fell outside the social caste system•Dirtiest and unpleasant jobs

Mohandas Ghandi

•Untouchables – Harijans• “children of god”•Worked to raise status• 1949 – constitution gave them legal recognition and rights•Discrimination continues

Castes Rules•Sutras – guides that listed all the rules for the caste system•Broken rule: banned from home or castes = untouchables

Brahmanism•Religion of the Aryans• Even before coming to India•Beliefs based on Vedas

Vedas•Collection of books containing hymns, myths, rituals, and poems •Written by Aryan priests•Sanskrit•Veda – “knowledge” in Sanskrit

4Vedas•Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda•Rig Veda: Oldest – written before 1000 B.C. (1500 B.C.)•http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/

Other Vedic Texts

•Written by priests • Contain thoughts on Vedas• Compiled into books• Explained:

-how to perform sacrifices-secret rituals-Upanishads

Upanishads•Written 600 B.C. (800 – 400 B.C.)•Reflections of religious students and teachers about the Vedas

Result•Vedas, Upanishads, other Vedic texts – basis of Indian religion for centuries•Began to blend with other cultures•Hinduism develops – main religion of India today