What do you think life would be like if everybody was born into a certain class, with no chance of changing

it?

Reflected Aryan ideas of a perfect society Four varnas

 Social groups that rank

people high or low

Over the centuries, a rigid social structure evolved

 The Caste System  Jati

Peasants and servants Make up the bulk of the Indian population Have only limited rights in society

Merchants and farmers Still considered commoners

Warriors and police Ruling elite

The priest and teacher class Performed religious ceremonies Most important

The social group a person was born into defined what they did
 Occupation  Marriage  Who you socialize with

Was defined by occupation and family lineage

Caste System is based on religious purity Higher up in the caste system, the more pure one is
 Reincarnation

Lowest level of Indian society Viewed as so impure, not a part of the caste system One should not touch Jobs

 Collected trash  Handled the dead

Look at your position you received at the beginning of class. Go to where you are directed to stand Wait to die and see where you go next If you reach purity (you moved up as a Brahmin), sit down in your seat
 You won!

Not legally enforced

 Formally outlawed

untouchability in 1950

Still socially enforced

 However, former

untouchables have been able to take office